AkijBashir Group enters cable market with Tk300cr investment
Initially, the factory will have the capacity to process around 300 tonnes of copper cables and 200 tonnes of PVC annually
Highlights
- Tk300cr+ investment in cable manufacturing
- Initial focus on domestic, industrial, and communication cables
- Expansion into high-voltage and specialised cables later
- 300 tonnes of copper cables, 200 tonnes of PVC to be processed annually
- Production capacity to be doubled by next year if market demands
- 500 jobs to be created directly and indirectly
- Cable market grows from Tk2,000cr to Tk12,000cr over past decade
- BRB, Bizli, BBS, Walton, Poly cables are main market competitors
AkijBashir Group, one of Bangladesh's largest diversified industrial conglomerates, is set to enter the country's rapidly expanding cable manufacturing market with an initial investment exceeding Tk300 crore.
The group, which will formally begin commercial operations today with a launch event in Dhaka, will initially focus on domestic, industrial and communication cables, with plans to gradually expand into high-voltage and specialised cables in later phases. Industry insiders say the move is likely to intensify competition in a market currently valued at around Tk12,000 crore.
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AkijBashir Group Chief Operating Officer Khorshed Alam told TBS, "Building materials already contribute more than 60% of our total business. Our strategic objective is to further expand this division, enabling consumers to source most construction-related products from a single, trusted brand. The decision aligns with the group's long-term strategy to strengthen its building materials portfolio."
According to company officials, the group had acquired a nearly ready cable manufacturing facility previously owned by Eminence Cable Central Well. The plant features a world-class layout and machinery sourced from China, Europe, Germany and India.
Initially, the factory will have the capacity to process around 300 tonnes of copper cables and 200 tonnes of PVC annually. The project is expected to generate employment for nearly 500 people, both directly and indirectly.
AkijBashir has also outlined plans to double production capacity within the next year, subject to market response.
According to Khorshed Alam, the group's market research revealed structural weaknesses in the existing cable industry.
"In some segments, the market shows monopolistic behaviour, leading to unhealthy competition and dissatisfaction among channel partners and consumers. In other cases, inconsistent supply due to capacity and quality issues has created uncertainty," he said. "These gaps present an opportunity for a player that can ensure consistent supply, competitive pricing and uncompromised quality."
Bangladesh's cable demand has surged in recent years, driven by urbanisation, housing projects, industrial expansion and large infrastructure developments such as metro rail lines, tunnels and elevated expressways. Industry analysts project annual growth of 10-15% over the next decade, barring short-term economic disruptions.
Industry insiders say Bangladesh's domestic cable market has expanded from around Tk2,000 crore to Tk12,000 crore over the past decade, driven by rapid electrification and infrastructure development. More than 120 companies now operate in the sector, generating over 50,000 jobs. BRB Cable Industries Limited leads the market with over 30% share, while Bizli Cables is the second-largest producer. Other key players include RR Kabel , BBS Cables, Paradise Cables, and Walton. Despite sufficient local capacity, imported cables continue to be widely used in government projects.
Technology and safety focus
A key differentiator of AkijBashir's cable offering will be its emphasis on safety and advanced insulation technology. The company plans to introduce three-layer insulated cables, still rare in the domestic market, designed to significantly reduce electrical fire risks.
"Most cables available locally use two-layer insulation. We are introducing three-layer insulation technology that can withstand temperatures of up to 105 degrees Celsius," Khorshed said.
"This level of safety is crucial, especially considering that a large portion of urban fires in Bangladesh are linked to electrical faults."
The company will source copper exclusively from London Metal Exchange-approved suppliers, ensuring 99.9% purity, while PVC and other raw materials will be procured from verified international sources.
"Quality begins with raw materials. We are fully committed to maintaining international standards, even if it means higher costs," Khorshed added.
While premium raw materials raise production costs, AkijBashir says its pricing strategy will remain market-sensitive.
"We will not position our products beyond consumers' reach. Ours is a competitive market, and we intend to price our cables in line with existing products without compromising on quality," Khorshed said.
Industry experts note that price competition has often pushed some manufacturers to compromise on materials, increasing safety risks. AkijBashir's challenge will be to balance cost efficiency with its quality commitments.
AkijBashir operations span fast-moving consumer goods, logistics, and building materials. Its building materials division covering steel, tiles, sanitaryware and boards has emerged as a key growth driver.
