Holcim Group has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Bangladesh. A senior executive met with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka to discuss cement industry trends and environmental sustainability.

Martin Kriegner, Holcim’s Executive Committee member and regional head for Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, held talks with Yunus at the state guest house Jamuna. The discussions covered local cement demand, industrial environmental impacts, and Holcim’s strategic direction in Bangladesh.

Holcim is the parent company of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh, which operates the country’s only integrated cement plant in Chhatak, Sunamganj. The firm has maintained a presence in Bangladesh for over 20 years.

Kriegner thanked the government for its support, highlighting Holcim’s use of non-recyclable plastics as fuel at its Chhatak facility—a process he said carries no environmental harm. He also mentioned the group’s global carbon capture initiatives, suggesting the technology could be deployed in Bangladesh.

Yunus enquired about the environmental implications of plastic-based fuel. Kriegner assured us that the method would produce no local carbon emissions. The chief adviser welcomed further investment, reiterating the government’s commitment to foreign direct investment.

Iqbal Chowdhury, CEO of LafargeHolcim Bangladesh, cited market challenges but expects improvement. He pointed to the recent introduction of aggregates as a move that could save significant foreign exchange.

BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, SDG Coordinator Lamiya Morshed, and Principal Secretary Sirajuddin Sathi also attended the meeting.