The Role of Cement in Bangladesh’s Infrastructure Growth | Tiger Cement

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One of the biggest infrastructure changes in South Asia is now taking place in Bangladesh. 

The country is changing the construction scene by developing high-rise structures, historic bridges, and contemporary motorways. 

One substance forms the fundamental basis of this development: cement. 

The foundation of a physical infrastructure is cement. With ambitious public and private sector initiatives, the nation’s construction industry is flourishing. 

This essay will examine the many industries and market dynamics that cement contributes to Bangladesh’s economy. Last but not least, how Tiger Cement is advancing national construction development.

Cement Industry in Bangladesh: A Foundation for Growth

Cement production in Bangladesh started in the 1980s. There are currently more than 40 cement companies operating in the nation, producing 80 million tons a year. It is nearly twice the quantity demanded for consumption as of 2025 (BCMA, 2024).

Over the previous 20 years, the industry grew quickly. Public infrastructure initiatives and the growing need for urban housing have been the main drivers of demand. 

As a sign of increased construction activity, the amount of cement consumed per person increased from 120 kg in 2018 to 210 kg in 2024 (World Cement Association, 2024). 

Nonetheless, domestic firms control the majority of the market. Because of their better quality and reasonable prices, these local manufacturers, along with Tiger, meet 80% of the demand (DCCI, 2024).

Cement’s Role in Infrastructure Development

Roads and Highways

Over the past few decades, Bangladesh’s road network has grown dramatically. Today, there are more than 22,000 km of national highways and major roads, up from 2,500 km in the 1970s (RHD, 2024). In addition to concrete roadways, cement is utilized in flyover construction, culvert construction, and base stabilization. 

For example, cement-based infrastructure is essential to large projects like the Dhaka Elevated Expressway and the Dhaka-Chittagong Expressway. In addition, concrete pavements last longer, particularly in areas that are prone to flooding.

Bridges and Connectivity

With more than 700 rivers, our country has long faced transportation challenges. Bridges are a contemporary way to increase connectivity. 

The Padma Multipurpose Bridge, for example, debuted in 2022.

For the decks, piers, and foundations, 250,000 tons of cement made locally were employed (Bridge Division, 2022). This historic project was completed with the help of Tiger Cement and other regional firms. 

Furthermore, the government launched the 150-bridge project in 2023. It featured constructions made of concrete, demonstrating the significance of cement in the construction of roads and bridges (Ministry of Road Transport, 2023).

The endurance and strength of other important projects, such as the continuing Padma Rail Link, the Meghna Gumti bridges, and the Karnaphuli Tunnel, are also dependent on reinforced concrete.

Housing and Urban Development

There are 22 million residents in Dhaka alone, and millions more in Chittagong and other cities. Cement is therefore constantly in great demand for the development of public housing, multi-story flats, and municipal infrastructure. 

In Bangladesh, 60% of cement use is attributed to individual builders and private developers. The remainder is made up of government housing schemes (BCMA, 2024).

The Ashrayan Project is a noteworthy undertaking. 

Since 2021, some 215,000 homes have been constructed and given to the impoverished who lack land. Slab flooring, brick walls, and roofs require several tons of cement for each home.

The only practical way to satisfy the demand for homes in crowded places like Dhaka is through vertical development. However, the fundamental component that enables this urban metamorphosis is cement.

Commercial and Industrial Construction

Cement is needed in large quantities for Bangladesh’s development of corporate skyscrapers, logistical hubs, clothing industries, and industrial zones. 

For example, large concrete foundations and structural components were needed for commercial buildings like City Centre Dhaka, Jamuna Future Park, and Bashundhara City. 

For example, more than 100 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are being developed in the industrial sector. 

It consists of concrete shell buildings, roadways, utility tunnels, and warehouses. High-strength cement is also necessary for power plants like Matarbari Coal Plant, Rooppur Nuclear, and Rampal in order to meet safety and durability requirements.

Mirsarai economic zone development.

Ports like the third terminal, Hazrat Shahjalal International, and Matarbari Deep Sea Port are currently being developed. For runway infrastructure, terminals, and docks, a significant amount of cement is needed (CAAB, 2024).

Public and Private Sector Initiatives

Public Projects

35–40% of the nation’s cement usage is attributed to the public sector (Planning Commission, 2023). 

The Annual Development Programme (ADP) is a reflection of the government’s strategic emphasis on infrastructure. It spends more than $25 billion annually on development. Transportation, electricity, housing, and urban utilities are all included.

Megaprojects including the Padma Bridge, Dhaka Metro Rail, and the Karnaphuli

Tunnels are included, as was previously announced. These are multibillion-dollar projects that needed a lot of cement bags. 

Last but not least is the Ashrayan-2 project, which has constructed almost 215,000 homeless housing units. Local cement was used in the construction of each home.

Private Projects 

In Bangladesh, 60–65% of cement use is driven by the private sector. Three categories are in charge of it.

  • Homebuilders on their own: Over 70% of new housing projects in our country originate in rural and peri-urban areas. Microcredit or remittances are frequently used to fund these initiatives. Our experience has shown that a two-story design for such homes requires 300–500 bags of cement.
  • Real estate developers: There are hundreds of active developers in Chattogram and Dhaka. They have worked on the construction of mixed-use buildings, malls, and apartment complexes. In Dhaka, an average ten-story building requires more than 5,000 bags of cement.
  • Industrial Growth: The building of factories has increased the need for cement in recent years. It is particularly evident in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Processing Zones (EPZs). Due to durability requirements, it contains knitwear factories, food processing facilities, and logistics hubs that rely significantly on concrete.

Public-Private Synergy

The ability of public infrastructure to facilitate private investments is one of its greatest benefits. 

The government-built roads and bridges raise the value of the land. Consequently, it attracts more private investment and development. 

In addition, public utility expansions (gas, water, and electricity) draw both domestic and international industrial investors to new areas. Additionally, it increases the demand for construction. 

The Padma Bridge is a prominent example. It has greatly boosted private investment in the southwest since it opened. Since 2022, there has been a sharp increase in building activity and land prices.

Sustainability in Cement Manufacturing

Vertical Roller Mills (VRMs)

Tiger, Shah, and Heidelberg Cement are among the numerous Bangladeshi businesses that have implemented VRMs. Compared to conventional ball mills, it can save up to 40% on energy consumption. This considerably reduces pollution and lowers production costs.

Blended Cement

Portland Composite Cement (PCC) has become more and more popular in the industry in recent years. It makes use of slag, fly ash, limestone filler, and other industrial byproducts. 

These blends reduce carbon intensity by lowering the amount of clinker cement. Finally, it continues to support structural performance.

According to industry data, PCC accounts for 90% of the market in Bangladesh. The growth is far ahead of many developing countries (BCMA, 2024).

Alternative Fuels and Renewable Energy

Some cement factories in the nation now co-fire biomass, rice husks, or rubber chips in place of coal. 

At the same time, many companies are looking into waste heat recovery to extract energy from kilns. One of the first businesses to employ this strategy was Shah Cement.

Green Product Innovation

The cement business is moving toward more environmentally friendly production methods. 

Low-carbon cement and ready-mix concrete are being developed and marketed by numerous firms. It is designed for low thermal mass and energy-efficient curing. For example:

In 2023, Tiger Cement introduced Tiger Concrete Products. It offers ready-mix and precast concrete options. 

Precast techniques increase cement quality control overall and cut down on material waste. Last but not least, it reduces pollutants on-site.

Green cement lines are now being produced by numerous local businesses. It has lower clinker ratios and a low energy input. 

With this new type of cement, the ultimate objective is to target LEED-certified buildings and sustainable megaprojects.

Sustainable Construction Practices

Bangladesh has a number of significant infrastructure projects that are resilient to environmental changes. For example, precast concrete segments are used in Metro Rail Line 6. It is made up of environmentally safe cement mixtures. 

In the same vein, storm-resistant concrete structures are part of the infrastructure at Matarbari Power Plant. It lowers maintenance-related life-cycle emissions.

The “Sustainable Building Code” standards are also being drafted by the Bangladeshi government. It suggests incentives and low-carbon materials. Developers are encouraged to begin utilizing green-certified building materials.

Tiger Cement’s Role in Nation Building

Since 1999, Tiger Cement has consistently contributed to the landscape of the country. We run one of the biggest ball mills in the nation, and our headquarters are in Narayanganj. About 1.5 million tons can be produced in total.

Tiger Cement has provided resources to:

  • The development of Padma Bridge & Hazrat Shahjalal Airport expansion
  • Numerous government initiatives for housing and education

Tiger Cement debuted Tiger Concrete Products in 2023. It provides ready-mix and precast options for quicker, safer, and more environmentally friendly building.

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