Bangladesh’s development in the last few years can be depicted profoundly by the unprecedented infrastructural development we have obtained. 2022 is an excellent example in this regard. This year the country witnessed the completion of the Padma Multipurpose Bridge and the long-anticipated inauguration of Dhaka Metro Rail. The country’s first Metro Rail MRT-6 from Uttara to Agargaon, launched at the end of 2022, will be increased further to Motijheel in 2023 before it is finally extended to Kamalapur in June 2025. These bulky projects will contribute immensely to the country’s communication networks and economic advancement.
In addition to that, a number of mega projects will be visible in 2023.
Mega Projects such as the 3.32km Karnaphuli Tunnel, Dhaka elevated expressway, 127km Dohazari-Ghundum railway, and BRT from Airport to Gazipur are ambitious projects which are projected to be completed by 2023. Other than connectivity nationwide, energy-based projects like Rampal and Matarbari power plants are also anticipated to be established in the upcoming year.
In the meantime, the government has initiated a few other mega projects throughout the country, which in time, will only contribute to the country’s economic progress and growth.
The projects include Dhaka-Chattogram 4-lane highway, 3rd terminal at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Padma Bridge railway line, Payra port, Joydevpur-Elenga 4-lane, Karnaphuli tunnel, Dohazari-Ghundum railway line, Matarbari deep seaport, Elenga-Bangabandhu Bridge-Rangpur 4-lane road, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, MRT-1, MRT-5 and Bangabandhu railway bridge project.
While these mega projects will elevate the country in achieving LDC graduation and, subsequently, the status of a developed country, these initiatives have also catered to the production of the country’s local manufacturing industries.
The cable industry is one such sector that has ensured the connectivity of the mega projects underneath the infrastructure.
Partex Cables is a pioneer in manufacturing cables. Not only that, the cables produced by the company have been profoundly used in Bangladesh’s mega projects for their standard quality, durability, and credibility.
Partex Star Group established Partex Cables in 2016. The company went to trial production at the end of 2016 and began its commercial operations in 2017. Over time, Partex Cables has become one of the leading manufacturers of Building Wiring Cables & Power Cables in Bangladesh.
A.K.M. Ahasanul Haque, Chief Operating Officer at Partex Cables Limited, told Bangladesh Brand Forum, “Bangladesh needed import substitute quality cables. So, to contribute to the country’s economy, Partex decided to develop a modern factory.”
During the period, Partex Star Group launched Partex Cables; it was when the industry started to expand due to the extension of power gridlines, installation of underground cables in all cities, rapid urbanisation, and industrialisation. The mega projects, alongside industrial and housing sector growth, have enabled the industry to further its market and manufacturing. As a result, the industry witnessed a massive six-fold growth in the last decade. Currently, there is a high potential local cable market of 12,000 CR in Bangladesh. Alongside brands such as Partex cables, 120 local companies account for BDT 7,000 CR in the industry and ensure the employability of around 50,000 people.
“Partex already has a brand name. Together with Partex Cables, the brand name became stronger. Our main purpose was to provide the market with quality products so that the safety of cable usage is ensured,” said A.K.M. Ahasanul Haque.
Partex Cables follows BS, IEC, VDE, DIN VDE, and ASTM global standards for manufacturing and product testing. The company also imports LME Registered 99.99% Pure Copper Cathodes and 99.78% Pure Aluminium Ingots to ensure the quality of the conductor,
The company has a modern lab for PVC Insulation Test, Smoke Density Test, Conductor Resistance Test and High Voltage Test. Partex Cables also initiated the Flame Retardant Test in a separate lab.
As the Chief Operating Officer remarked, “We want to thrive as the market leader in the future. We are already competing with the market leader in terms of quality. While the overall market growth is 15-20%, Partex, in this short time, has obtained a significant yearly growth of 20-25%.”
The following decade will bring great opportunities in line with challenges for the cable industry. So, it will be a great strategic role for the stakeholders in the sector to attain the chances and contribute to nation-building.
