Furniture industry can create millions of jobs: Ahsan Khan Chy

Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, Chairman and CEO of the leading industrial group Pran-RFL, stated that their primary objective is to create employment opportunities for people. He emphasized that business is their core profession, and given the large number of people in need of employment in the country, he believes the furniture industry has the potential to generate jobs for millions.
He made these remarks as a panel speaker at the seminar titled “Bangladesh Furniture Industry: Unlocking Export Potential,” held on Monday at the Bangladesh China Friendship Exhibition Centre in the capital's Purbachal. The seminar was organised by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the Bangladesh Furniture Exporters Association (BFEA).
Speaking at the seminar, Ahsan Khan Chowdhury said, "Don’t say we can’t; if Vietnam can do it, try a hundred times. I firmly believe we can. However, for those of us doing business in the country, if we do not receive our inputs at fair prices, we will never be able to compete with China and Vietnam. Whether it's fabric, boards, paper, nails, nuts and bolts, or the materials needed to make furniture, if we can get every item at an affordable price, we can win. Otherwise, we will not be able to succeed."
He continued, "The main issue now is that we are all involved in different stages of production. Some of us are making boards, others are producing paint, and others are manufacturing various items. The government's policies must focus on quick and proactive actions. We need to ensure that all the necessary inputs are provided. If we can bring goods in through bonds, we can succeed."
The CEO of Pran-RFL Group stated, "Now, if someone has a paint factory and cannot import raw materials for paint production duty-free, we will never be able to stand up. With 100% duty, we can never compete with China. We are neither thieves nor robbers."
He added, "What we need is bond-free and duty-free imports. However, in the case of duty-free imports, it is being stated that they will be provided under 100% guarantee, which is not reasonable. I am an exporter. If I fail to export within 65 days, I will explain to the government in detail why I have not paid the duty. But until then, I must be given the opportunity to bring in goods at fair prices. This demand is not only for the furniture sector but for every sector. Many companies at this year's trade fair are trying to meet domestic demand and also expand to foreign markets. If we can offer them duty-free benefits, it would certainly be a positive step."
Ahsan Khan Chowdhury also stated, "In terms of design, we must proceed step by step. We will start from the bottom of the pyramid. First, we will sell to Walmart, then to Target, and gradually move into the high-end furniture sector. Currently, the furniture industry is developing. If we get some export opportunities, we will definitely perform well."
He added, "I believe that by 2030, our furniture industry’s exports will not be 5-7 billion US dollars, but much more. After Donald Trump came to power, a 25% Trump tax was imposed on China. We missed the opportunity with the first Trump tax, but we do not want to miss the second one. With Trump in power again, I believe this is a golden era for Bangladesh, and we can significantly increase our exports by taking full advantage of this opportunity."
He said, "We are currently exporting only 70 million US dollars in the furniture sector, which is extremely low. It's as if a furniture manufacturer is being told to swim in the ocean with their hands and feet tied. The time has come for us to take swift action. We need to negotiate firmly."
The Chairman of Pran-RFL Group further stated, "For those who are taking millions of dollars in the garment sector in Bangladesh, we need to tell them that we will need this for our furniture industry. You will set up this testing mechanism system in Bangladesh. I will ask BUET to prepare all the necessary testing parameters, and we will advance the furniture sector."
He added, "If Vietnam can do it, we certainly can too. With the next four years under the Trump administration, we must seize this opportunity to ensure that we can stand tall in the future. Even if there are no tariff advantages, the furniture sector in Bangladesh will move forward, and we will perform exceptionally well."
Among others, the seminar was attended by Moazzem Hossain, Member of the National Board of Revenue (NBR); Professor Abu Yusuf, former Chairman of the Department of Development Studies at Dhaka University; Professor Fuad H. Mallick, Dean of the School of Architecture and Design at BRAC University; Dr. Ahmed Sharif, Professor at the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at BUET; Selim H. Rahman, Executive Director and Chairman of Hatil Group; and Moinuddin Khan, Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests.