Made in Bangladesh

[Bilal9]

Designing a village by renewable energy
Solargao Limited/Mr. Sufi Iqbal Ahmed

Challenge for Integrated Farming by the Solargao
In a nation where a large portion of the rural population banks on agriculture for their livelihood, a new concept has emerged that is connecting agriculture with technology. The new innovative social enterprise, called “Integrated Farming” is trying to integrate electrification in rural areas with mechanization and modernization in the agricultural sector for effective utilization of renewable energy such as solar power generation.

One such company is “Solargao”. The word combines two absolutely different concept – solar energy and “gao” meaning village in Bangla language, to mean “Solar Village”. As the name suggests, the organization aims to connect sunlight with technology in order to serve one of the biggest industries in Bangladesh – agriculture.

The unique feature of Solargao is an ability to design innovations that are prominent and are applicable in many sectors of a community. In this age of technology, we see many trying to address social issues through technology, but most are applicable to a single machine or instrument. As for Solargao, the organization combines one solution with various elements in the community, and designs innovation through an inclusive integration process.

Solargao also designs modules of different combination of services, so as to provide certain communities and farmers with their customized needs. For example, some farmers would require a combination of agriculture as well as cold storage services, while some farmers or communities would need a different combination of services. Solargao’s excellent customer service includes making specific combination of such services for each of their customer.

The integrated farming, as proposed by Solargao, allows for a reintegration of village communities who come together to improve lifestyles in their communities through the process of building proper technology. It also allows for more open conversations through introducing ideas into the communities with various perspectives including social, economic and environmental.

One such example is “The Green Upazila Project” that Solargao organizes. It aims to establish an eco-village at Badarganj village of Rangpur, developing the agricultural scenario and improve the lifestyle in rural areas.

Introduction of the Solar Irrigation System
The Solar Irrigation System plays a crucial role in the operation of the eco-village. It allows people to draw water to cultivated land for agricultural products. In Badarganj, people usually use groundwater through water pump, which is fueled by diesel. This is quite a process to access a need as fundamental as water. This project, which attempts to replace diesel pumps with social irrigation pumps, is expected to change the entire scenario for getting water. By 2015, it is expected that 600 solar irrigation systems will be substituted for 3000 diesel pumps. This would be the first of its kind in Bangladesh.

The solar irrigation system has also been lauded by the Bangladesh government to be an important way to utilize renewable energy. The government currently provides subsidy to farmers against irrigation diesel fuel. However, this has greatly affected government finance and makes the farmers’ fuel costs higher. The solar irrigation systems have, however, gotten considerable public attention. The government is going to set 1550 solar irrigation systems in Bangladesh, with the aim to reduce the high government subsidy – which is currently at $280 million!

The project organized by Solargao is one of the largest solar irrigation projects in Bangladesh, and the government appears positive about its success. As for the financial aspect, it has support from the World Bank and IDCOL, according to a report in an local news paper. ( Source: The Daily Star, “Solar irrigation pumps gaining traction”, August 11, 2014 )

Our journey
We traveled for 8 hours from the capital Dhaka by car to Rangpur. Yellow mustard fields embraced us as we entered deeper in rural Bangladesh on bumpy roads. As we went further, we caught glimpse of the solar panels lined up in an orderly fashion, their surfaces glistening under the sun.

We were greeted by Mr. Sufi Iqbal Ahmed, CEO of Solargao Ltd. and Mr. Md. Shamsul Alam, Director of Solargao Ltd.

The solar irrigation systems generate 7.5 kW by connecting 54 small solar panels one by one. An electric-controlled pump is powered through this electricity, and able to draw water from a deep well. The water is then provided to outlets in the fields through underground water pipes. This high-performance pump, made in Italy, is capable of carrying water into outlets as far as 400 meters away from the source.

Mr. Sufi told us that one solar power pump could replace five diesel pumps, traditionally used for irrigation in those areas. The Solargao has already installed 60 solar irrigation pumps (at December 2014 )and plans to replace all diesel pumps in Badrogonj with 600 solar irrigation pumps by the end of 2015.

Business model of Solar Irrigation System
The business model of the irrigation systems consists of a fee from the farmers. The irrigation itself is not required in all seasons, as the timing of irrigation varies from season to season. If farmers pay Tk 6,000 (about 9,000 yen) per an acre in one season as fee of solar power pump, then they can draw out as much water as necessary – as compared to a rate of Tk 9000(about 13,500 yen) per an acre in one season of water drawing through diesel pump. This could be a huge cut in costs.

The solar irrigation system consists of a solar panel, controller, hangar, pump and underground water pipe. There is no battery attached and the angle of solar panel is adjusted manually according to the location of the sun. With this equipment and construction, it takes about Tk1.8 million (about 2.7 million yen).

The Bangladeshi government provides 40% of the cost of base price as grants, and each owner of the solar irrigation systems invest 20% of the original price. The other 40% is financed at a low interest rate and long-term loan by IDCOL and the World Bank. The individual investors eventually pay back the loan, which they earn through a fee charged from the neighbors who use the service of the irrigation. In 2014, IDCOL signed their support of Tk 43.5 million (about 65 million yen) for the installment of the solar irrigation system, and it is likely they will continue their support if the project succeeds.

The Bangladeshi government provides 40% of the cost of base price as grants, and each owner of the solar irrigation systems invest 20% of the original price. The other 40% is financed at a low interest rate and long-term loan by IDCOL and the World Bank. The individual investors eventually pay back the loan, which they earn through a fee charged from the neighbors who use the service of the irrigation. In 2014, IDCOL signed their support of Tk4.35 million for the installment of the solar irrigation system, and it is likely they will continue their support if the project succeeds.

Solargao operates as a project manager, supporting farmers in system installations and operations. It is the mission of Solargao to find out the true needs of farmers in system installations and operation. They aim to find out the true needs of farmers in order to be able to match it with the appropriate technology and in turn provide the farmers with the best possible solutions. They are involved with project planning, financial support as well as procuring solar panels and pumps from the market.

Solargao is currently considering its next steps as they developed a solution – the entire solar irrigation system in one module. With this, they aim to improve the income of famers and modernize agricultural activities through integrated farming. They try to realize and establish sustainable and eco-friendly development models by integrating renewable energy.

Combination of solutions
Solargao works on a large number of issues that can be divided into several sections. These include modernization of agriculture through installment of machines that are applicable in the farm and field, improvement of farmer’s income and infrastructure in the farmer’s community. Electrification of rural areas is also on top of the list.

The concept of “integrated farming” mutually combines these solutions rather effectively. Although at first glance, they may seem unrelated or unconnected, a little attention to detail shows that the combinations are designed effectively.

For example, the purpose of the solar irrigation system is to draw water into a farm at a low cost. However, because the solar irrigation system works only at three different points of the year, excess electricity is produced in addition to the 11kW produced by the solar irrigation system.

On the other hand, it is essential for farmers to install agriculture machines to solve their problems due to various reasons: the rise in cost of labour and shortage of workers. Due to the high price of fuel, it is also difficult for them to utilize these machines due to high fuel cost. To solve this problem, Solargao use the excess electricity to charge the battery in order to power the agriculture machines.

Currently, they do not have sufficient means to work machines that require a lot of power – such as the agricultural tractor. The organization has thus started to work with small machines such as electrical threshers.

In order to improve the infrastructure in the community in fields of education and medicine and/or health, Solargao has established a community center beside a solar irrigation system. This center is used as a clinic as well as a remote educational center to collect information for farmers. However, it is difficult to operate this clinic in no-electrified areas because of issues such as lack of refrigerators needed to store vaccines. But the excess electricity is used to address this problem – the clinics would be able to keep refrigerators in remote, rural areas.

Solargao is also working on the development of a mobile refrigerator for preservation of crops. Bangladesh has a shortage of cold storages for crops which leads to many crops going bad during the harvest season. The mobile refrigerator is both portable and can be folded. This facility allows farmers to move the mobile refrigerator in each season as per their need. The fridge is currently used as a prototype of mobile cold-storage, and also uses the excess electricity produced by a solar irrigation system.

There is also a high demand for electricity for households. Badarganj has a lot of non-electrification areas, and thus would benefit from electricity generated from the solar irrigation system. Solargao has considered different business models to provide electricity with farmers. As for household electricity, batteries are required in order to power the battery for solar energy, and these batteries increase the cost. This is one of the challenges behind installing the solar house system. Additionally, there is the issue of determining how to collect money from the various beneficiaries of the system. These issues are still being discussed.

The concept of “Integrated Farming” is to design a whole system combining each solution that has been set up as modules. Even though the combination might differ from every characteristic of the community and its location, the methodology of the Integrated Faming is quite unique as the perfect match is achieved between farmers and solutions through a mutually understanding and agreeable process.

Converting whole upazilas into a smart grid
The Green Upazila Project organized by the Solargao aims to substitute 600 solar irrigation systems for every diesel pump in the an entire Upazila. Each solar irrigation system produces 7.6 kW, and, when summed up, the total electricity produced amounts to 4500 kW. The next step of Solargao is to connect all the solar irrigation systems. They plan to do this by setting all the Upazilas on one smart grid. By putting all the systems together, the smart grid will produce a large amount of electricity which was earlier not possible by a single solar home system.

Charging electricity for an electrical tractor is a good example of benefit of smart grid. Although there is not yet any example that is similar to smart grid in Bangladesh, it will be a groundbreaking innovation if this is attained. Given that Bangladesh is still a developing nation, it is expected that there will be a lot of technical issues. However, once established, the platform of smart grid will make the impact of “Integrated Farming” be larger and wider.

Solargao, which develops innovative concept such as the smart-grid, and is very much in the government eye, was established only in 2013, with a set of members and founders with unique backgrounds.

Mr. Sufi was born in Bangladesh and had emigrated to Canada as a civil engineer, and had accomplished many projects. But his thoughts for Bangladesh changed the course for him. Despite a successful career in Canada, he decided to come back to Bangladesh to contribute to the country’s development. Other members of Solargao were also caught with a similar passion. Mr. Shah Noman Partho, co-founder of Solargao, was also situated in Canada, where he was a folklorist. The other gems behind Solargao came from backgrounds of journalist, economist and graphic designer.

Mr. Shah who is a co-founder of Solargao

We joked, “It seems that Solargao is Seven samurai filmed by Mr. Akira Kurosawa because people with a great deal of personality are gathered and fight for the farmers!” Mr. Sufi welcomed the humor with a warm smile. But there is a lot of struggles behind this shining success.

“No one trusted us at first,” he said. The idea of a “Green Upazila” seemed too ambitious and unattainable to many farmers.“At first, most farmers didn’t like the idea. They downright rejected it.” he said.

To address these obstacles, Solargao gathered grassroots support. They explained the benefits of solar irrigation systems to households in a village one by one and held assemblies for farmers. Then, they constructed the first solar irrigation system with their own expense. To see, after all, is to believe. Upon seeing the flowing water by a solar irrigation system with their own eyes, the farmers eventually understood the feasibility and merits of the solar irrigation system.

Now that they were satisfied with the system, the farmers began cooperating with Solargao. Although they had so far been users of the Solargao system, now many of them entertained the idea of owning them.


Possibility of collaboration with Japanese companies

When asked whether there were any chances of collaboration with Japanese companies or researchers, he said that would be welcome if there is technology transfer about agriculture or renewable energy, adding the example of Taiwanese pumps as international collaboration. He said it’s small, but has excellent durability and power and is resilient against mud or pebbles.

However, the pump itself was originally not for irrigation and was created with the aim to be used for purifiers to clean water. Mr. Sufi saw the pump in an exhibition and persuaded the maker to modify the pump – there were visits from Taiwan as well as to the villages where the pumps were installed.

It seems that there is a lot of potential space where Japanese companies can collaborate in the field of Integrated Farming. Solargao provides the platform and opportunities in various fields for Japanese companies to invest in. Thus, the platform will be a good test place for Japanese companies to try new technologies or ideas.

 

[Bilal9]

Bangladesh Honda PVT LTD Launches Honda Dealerships In Dhaka

Posted by: Wasif Anowar

Nearly 20 months since Bangladesh Honda Private Ltd (BHL) started their manufacturing journey in Bangladesh they launched their first dealership in Dhaka in Karwan Bazar: 'Wings BD Ltd'. Bangladesh Honda Private Ltd invited the media to the grand opening of the showroom.



The program was attended by Chief Guest, MD & CEO of Bangladesh Honda Pvt Ltd Mr. Yoichi Mizutani, the Chairman of Wings BD Ltd., Humayun Kabir and the Managing Director Mostafizur Rashid. There were also high officials from Bangladesh Honda Private Ltd who fielded many queries from the media.



The dealership is a 3S centre where Honda customers will get Sales, Service & Spare Parts under the same roof.




BHL management stated some interesting tidbits during the news conference:

• Bangladesh Honda Pvt Ltd stated that they are aware that some importers in BD are importing and selling unauthorized Thai-market Honda CBR 150Rs which would not be covered under BHL factory warranties. BHL won't be able to provide service and spares to customers of these bikes even though they share identical parts.
• It may be mentioned here that CBR 150R's continue to be very popular locally - despite high price tag.
• Bangladesh Honda Pvt Ltd holds the sole license to import parts & manufacture HONDA motorcycles in BD and they are the only ones authorized to provide the SALES, SERVICES and SPARES through their authorized dealers appointed by them in Bangladesh.

• Honda will launch a new 100cc moped Honda Wave Alpha in BD from Oct- Nov of this Year. The bike is a 100cc moped bike which is very popular in Vietnam and Indo China and it will replicate the Cub 50 service and smoothness, prices are yet undisclosed. Honda Cub 50 has boasted legendary reliability among all motorcycles made in the last 50 years and Wave Alpha continues this tradition.

• They will launch Honda Livo, a new stylish, fuel efficient 110cc bike in Bangladesh on 2nd Qtr. of 2016.

• They are working hard and will arrange to bring Honda CB150R Streetfire, a naked version of Honda CBR150R from Thailand, also known as Street Fire. This is well known as an awesome bike.

• Bangladesh Honda Pvt Ltd are not happy with the government about raising the TAX by 15% during the ongoing budget, while governments in countries like INDIA, THAILAND and INDONESIA are doing everything to reduce tax on bikes so that average people can use bikes and lessen the pressure on cars.
• BHL wants to commence full-on manufacturing instead of assembly from 2017 so that they can reduce manufacturing costs and people in Bangladesh can afford HONDA bikes.
• BHL is pushing the government hard to grant permission so BHL can go for manufacturing instead of assembly & trying to convince govt. to implement a sustainable manufacturing policy.
• Honda said that their assembly plant is the best in the business in Bangladesh currently & can’t be compared with any Chinese or Indian assembly plant in the country. HONDA above all cares about their QUALITY and REPUTATION so far gained in all worldwide markets.
• Sadly due to engine displacement limitation in Bangladesh, Honda Hornet and CB Unicorn won’t come to Bangladesh. Both bikes have 163cc displacements. However they will start to assemble Honda Trigger.
• Wings BD Ltd stated that they will only provide Free SERVICES and SPARES to all the Honda bikers under warranty. Buyers need to show proof of purchase from Authorized Honda Dealers and need to have Warranty cards with them.

• Wings BD Ltd also stated that they are trying to make arrangements with some banks so that credit card holders can buy Honda Motorcycles from their showroom in installments which should be very good news for bikers in BD.
• People who bought or will buy Honda bikes from unauthorized Honda dealers in New Eskaton and other places in Dhaka won’t get any Free SERVICE & Warranty claim from Wings BD Ltd.

Here is the price list of Honda Motorcycles from Wings BD Ltd:

Model Name..................................New Price
Honda CBR150R............................4,90,000 BDT
Honda CB Trigger (Dual Disc)......2,18,000 BDT
Honda CB Trigger (Single Disc)...2,08,000 BDT
Honda CB Shine............................1,70,000 BDT
Honda Dream Neo.........................1,42,000 BDT
Honda CD 80.....................................99,900 BDT

With every bike each customers will get:

Warranty: 2 years or 20,000 km whichever comes first
Service: 4 free servicing
Spare Parts: Available genuine spare parts with reasonable price
Engine Oil: Honda Genuine Engine oil (10W30)

Among the three Japanese Bikes companies in Bangladesh (YAMAHA and SUZUKI being the other two) Honda is now serious about this market and will try everything to ensure customers satisfaction and bring back that old familiar vibe of HONDA in Bangladesh from bygone decades.

BHL stated that they don't want to bring in bikes from India, Indonesia or Thailand. They believe that Bangladesh is the 4th biggest motorcycle market after those three countries, they want to develop their manufacturing base here for local and export markets, considering the lowest rate of labour among all these countries.

 

[Bilal9]

Well - technically not made from scratch in Bangladesh, but if assembly counts then this is probably the nicest assembled product made in Bangladesh so far. The RASEL/LIFAN KP-150R

Rasel Industries is trying to up the indigenous parts count slowly in their bikes as volume goes up and makes economic sense...after all Bangladesh is the 4th largest bike market in Asia after India, Indonesia and Thailand.

Here's a nice review about the bike from BIKEBD, a digital bike blog:

Beginning of the year we made a list of few bikes that we thought will be launched this year in Bangladesh, some of you were eagerly waiting to see them roll on our roads. We are also quite sure that Lifan KPR150 is one from our list. After the launch of Lifan KPR150 back in April this year we have been fielding too much poking from you with various inquiries on the KPR150 model. Rasel Industries Limited also responded very quickly & this time we have tested Lifan KPR150 for 1000 km under two weeks to present you with Lifan KPR150 Review By Team BikeBD to answer one question, will this be the most affordable SPORTS BIKE in BD?



Backyard Story:
The Chinese motorcycle company Lifan (Est. 1992) is continuing a successful sequence on our road for a few years now. And Rasel Industries Limited successfully extended that sequence.

You might remember we made many extreme test events in 2014 on their bike Lifan KP150 like “Saint Martin Tour” or “1150km ride within 24 Hours” or “Stunt Shows” or “Riding on Hill Tracks’’ with KP150. And those events really gave us the opportunity to get the real time assessment on that product. Therefore people gained confidence on Lifan KP150 though some people still had some allergy on Chinese-branded product. However people are frequently using Chinese products elsewhere ensuring quality within reasonable price. We are quite sure after succession of Lifan KP150 that Lifan KPR150 may not go out of the sequence of success. Let’s commence.



First Impression of Lifan KPR:
Team BikeBD got the opportunity to glance at the mule just after assembly at Rasel Industries Limited and tested the same at that time. Testing was quite secretive even before the official launch. When we saw the bike first time after assembly it was quite impressive for us.

One word can describe the feeling which is “this is THE Sports bike in BD after the Honda CBR150 & the Yamaha R15”. There is little to explain the appearance of the bike. But we will try to enhance your experience highlighting the features.

Lifan KPR150 is a pure racing model which won the 150cc championship in CRRC Chengdu on July 13, 2014 and currently the winner of the first Battle in CRRC Nanjing Station on May 02, 2015. Therefore KPR150 came in with a pure-bred racing DNA and a mule completely designed for racing.



Lifan KPR150 was designed with a fully aerodynamic cowling hiding a water cooled engine. One need not worry about over-heating issues even when riding continuously at high speeds. The bike is pretty cool & aggressive looking somewhat like a small fighter on the tarmac. The raven skulled projection head lamp with aggressive pilot lamps truly shows its uniqueness in the crowd.

The body exteriors are trimmed, sharply muscled and properly vented which improve the aerodynamic characteristics. The stretched fuel tank with multiple dents, slim side panel, rear panel with split comfortable seat gave the mule a different appeal among the available sports models in our market. The larger brake disks, rear central mono shock absorber, puffy exhaust and sharp LED tail lamp also enhance the appeal.

The brightness of the head and tail lights are quite adequate and we believe this is one of the best stock headlights of any bike in Bangladesh. For some reason they kept the same indicators and tail light from KP, which suggests not fixing something that ain't broke.



The control console of Lifan KPR150 is another attraction again. It’s a fully digital console with boosted analog rev counter and a digital screen illuminated with blue & orange color back-lit illumination which is customizable at will in an instant. The screen features odometer, trip meter, speed meter, gear indicator, clock and a fuel gauge. Both handlebars are completely equipped with all necessary control switches.

Brake & Control:
We are impressed with the controllability of Lifan KPR150. It is a heavy weighted sports model in this segment. The 150kg weight is quite heavy to tackle at lower speeds but comfortable saddle height of 775mm makes it easier to control for most riders. The braking system is a superior feature of this bike. The larger 300mm front disk brake with rear disk makes this heavier machine confidently capable to stop even when you are dealing with extreme high speed maneuvers.



To test the braking capability one of our desperate test riders had pushed both brakes of the KPR just after reaching 120kmph…and both suspensions had gone down due to heavy momentum…the rider mentally prepared in tackling a crash….but KPR confidently stuck on the surface, like it was nailed on the road and didn’t skid a single inch in any direction! We have also tested the brakes on zigzags and corners where all results were satisfactory. Extreme cornering is the real fun of the Lifan KPR150.

Lifan KPR150 is a racing model and its steering turn radius is comparatively narrow as it is designed for racing. The safety of high speed racing sports bike steering comes with narrow turning radius and KPR150 is not an exception. For this reason control in heavy traffic like Dhaka city is sometime a big hassle for KPR150 with heavy weight while moving through zigzags of traffic or moving back or turning extreme corners below 90 degrees. And it makes it a bit more difficult for new riders.



Suspension & Comfort:
Our test ride team aggressively tyrannized the bike for checking out suspension frequency and to examine comfort levels of the KPR. We are quite happy with the results. It’s a comfortable racing model. One of our test riders is a comfort seeker.He often seeks out bikes with superior comfort where he expressed his satisfaction cruising with the KPR150. We are sure you will also be happy with the 37mm front telescopic and rear central mono shock absorber with its comfortable performance. The seating position and style is also comfortable both for pillion and the rider.

The riding position of Lifan KPR150 is sporty and you have to ride with a racing posture. The handle bar is clip on type which gives the rider a aggressive and racing attitude where the front transparent wind breaker tackles the heavy pressure of air flow and guide over the rider while trailing with high speed. If you compare the riding position we would like to put Lifan KPR150 in between Honda CBR150 and Yamaha R15V2.


Engine & Performance:
Lifan KPR150 came with 149cc water cooled engine with the remarkable compression ratio of 11.4:1 ensuring powerful combustion and efficient delivery of its peak power. The water cooling system ensures operating temperatures don’t rise too high where the engine operates in high compression ratios. The peak power of Lifan KPR150 delivers at 8500RPM where maximum rev limit is 12000RPM but the attractive feature is that the maximum torque is delivered from 6500RPM, so one can easily gain speed while still ensuring fuel economy riding at lower RPMs.



Lifan KPR150 came with a six speed gear box. We have experienced a comfortable & easy operation with all gears with softer clutch operation except the first gear which was quite harsh and hassle to get the engine neutral. But all the gears are really powerful. One can accelerate with any gears even with the sixth gear which we are sure is not available with other available sports bikes. The first gear is stiff but it works like a missile. If you are not careful, you will sure face a wheelie when unconsciously revving and releasing the clutch at first gear.



Notes For You:
Team BikeBD started our testing just after assembling a KPR150 at Rasel Industries assembly plant in Dhaka. We have tested three bikes within our extensive test schedule and all bikes were tested from zero mileage where none was covered in the sensitive break in period. However all test mules responded equally nicely on our test schedules. We have experienced completely vibration-free and noise-free operation at any speed, at any RPM from zero kilometers while testing each bike. And you know it’s a water cooled bike so there is no question for overheating issue.

We gained a top speed of 122kmph within a one kilometer track where the digits continued and didn’t drop against heavy air flow, cross wind or overtaking heavy vehicles until we decelerated the throttle. And we touched 130 kmph out of our one kilometer test track. We should mention as the aerodynamics is gorgeously works nice even in heavy cross wind or crossing heavy traffic on highways.

The fuel efficiency we have experienced is about 40kmpl where it has counted averagely considering our total track length with total consumed fuel on our test period. In addition let us share more from our test track.

>>See The Lifan KPR150 Top Speed Test Video<<

We Are Happy For:

• Completely new & good looking sports model in our market. We hope for reliability & durability considering its sibling KP150’s track record.
• Very stable at high speeds, extreme cornering and extreme braking.
• Comfortable seating both for rider and the pillion; and both suspensions ensure comfort.
• Very effective aerodynamic body cowling, very stable on heavy wind pressures even passing through cross winds at high speeds.
• Aggressive acceleration even at higher gears.
• The fluorescent bright LED projection head lamp DC operates and works nice even on dark highways.

We Have Noted Negatives:

• KPR is a bike of nice acceleration at any gear but top speed is comparatively low where we expected more.
• Too heavy to control at low speeds, particularly moving through heavy traffic.
• Steering turning radius is narrow. Turning and moving back is a hassle in narrow and curvy space.
• Controlling on pebble, sand or mud is really a big deal due to weight and narrow steering radius and of-course for raw acceleration. New riders should be careful about that.
• First gear is quite stiff; sometimes it is a hassle to get to a neutral position.
• The front mud guard is way too small and in rainy seasons it often blocks the radiator grill with mud so you need to clean it often.
• There is only one trip meter which unpleasantly gets zero after 999 kilometers. And there is no top speed recorder.
• Horn is nice but there is no space to attach extra horn or signals.
• Just like Lifan KP150, KPR150 still has the issue of overheating though as we have seen with KP that it isn’t too big a factor and creates no issues with the performance of the bike.

Wrap Up:
To sum up then Lifan KPR150 is a dramatic entertainment, full of elegance and power. What it does is that it walks a fine line between the technical brilliance and comfort of a Fazer & the sheer lunacy of R15 V2.0.



We have tried to disclose our test result just on finishing our test scheduled. We have tried our best to sketch out the real Lifan KPR150 before you. At the end we can say it’s a really a nice machine where there are only few Sports models available in our market but with extreme high price. We think if you are raw power seeker it’s a completely affordable package for you and no doubt with nice & attractive features.

We are hopeful for the reliability and durability of KPR150 considering theprevious track record of Lifan KP150. Hope you are satisfied with our effort and please share your arguments with us.


Technical Features of Lifan KPR150
Engine Vertical Single Cylinder, Four Stroke,
Water Cooled Engine
Displacement 150cc
Bore x Stroke 58.5mm x 58.8
Compression Ratio 11.4:1
Maximum Power 14.8 BHP @ 8500 RPM
Maximum Torque 14 NM @ 6500 RPM
Fuel Supply Carburetor
Ignition CDI
Starting Method Electric
Transmission 6 Speed Gear, Hand Clutched
Dimension (Length x Width x Height) 2060mm x 760mm x 1105mm
Wheel Base 1330
Saddle Height 775mm
Weight 150 Kg
Fuel Capacity: 14 Liters
Suspension (Front/Rear) 37mm Telescopic/Adjustable Mono Shock Absorber
Brake system (Front/Rear) Both Hydraulic Disk
Rim (Front/Rear) Al-allow 17’
Tire (Front/Rear) Front 90/90-17, Rear 120/80-17, Both Tubeless
Engine oil Grade : 15W40
Speedometer Full Digital
Current Market Price BDT 1,99,000.00
*All the specification and price is subject to change upon company rules, policy

 

[Bilal9]

Some more KPR150 images...

This is the newer V2 with the new LED lens headlight.

This is the older V1 model with the conventional halogen lens headlight.

 

[BDforever]

Some more KPR150 images...

This is the newer V2 with the new LED lens headlight.

This is the older V1 model with the conventional halogen lens headlight.

post VISION electronic products (RFL sister concern), new competitor or Walton and Jamuna

 

[Bilal9]

Marcel eyes 40% growth this year in Bangladesh appliance market

Marcel, a local manufacturer of small home electrics/electronics products and home appliances, has set a 40% growth target compared to previous years.

Over the last couple of years, Marcel had been registering 30%-35% growth in its business. Witnessing the continuous growth, this year the company has made the new target in comparison with the previous year, said a statement of the company.

The local consumer-based electronics goods manufacturer is also considering “2016” a challenging year in terms of grabbing a lion’s share of the country’s electronics market.

With the aim of turning the challenging year into a successful one, the local brand is operating business by adopting timely working plans and marketing strategies.

“Our aim is to be the premier electronics brand in the local market. Marcel gained popularity among the customers within a short time of its journey, said Mosharraf Hossain Razib,” head of marketing.

“Now, we consider 2016 a challenging year to grab the lion’s share of the country’s electronics market. To make the dream come true, some new electronics products and electrical appliances were released while new models and designs added to the existing products specially in the area of refrigerators and LED televisions,” said Razib.

Marcel has already added new electronics and electrical products to the existing product lines. It has also strengthened research and development activities to ensure highest quality of its products and also increased the number of sales and service points.

Modern technologies and equipment were installed in the manufacturing unit. In addition, the local brand has slashed its product prices in line with the reduction of overhead costs at the manufacturing process.

Recently, the company has started marketing non-frost refrigerators with ‘intelligent inverter’ technology-based compressors, which consume about 35% to 40% less electricity than refrigerators with induction technology compressors, it stated.

In addition, compressors with intelligent inverter technology are reputed to be long-lasting and noise-free. By producing refrigerators with intelligent inverter and nano-healthcare technologies, Marcel has now met the European and North American industry norms for entry into those markets, added the company.

It may be mentioned here that MARCEL is a noted second tier appliance manufacturer in Bangladesh. WALTON is the major market shareholder brand with 40+% of the market.

post VISION electronic products (RFL sister concern), new competitor or Walton and Jamuna

Thik hai bhai, all in good time insha-allah.

Here's the Vision (RFL) brand flagship double door side-by-side ICEBOX with water dispenser, at 556 liters and in stainless steel finish. A hot seller according to local dealers. More coming up.

1.Total no frost
2. Multi air flow system
3. LED display with touch button control
4. Precise temperature Control
5. Modern decoration inside
6. Interior LED light for Fridge & Freezer compartment
7. Supper cool function
8. Holiday function
9. Alarm function
10. Supper freeze function
11. Child lock function
12. Water dispenser function
13. Plastic Wine Rack
14. Four star freezer design
15. Twist ice-maker
16. Broad climate design
17. Environment-friendly technology
18. Low noise
19. Adjustable leg.

 

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Two new builds commissioned and completed recently at FMC Dockyard in Chittagong, MT OME & MT ABU SADIQUE.

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Three of some fifteen plus oil tankers completed in the last few years by the oddly named 'Three Angle Marine' near Meghna Ghat. Very typical of Coastal Oil tankers that ply local coastal and regional routes. These are RINA class vessels designed and built locally since Pakistan times. Dhaka and Chittagong boast about two hundred such yards of various sizes and a thriving shipbuilding sector, partially engaged in exports to Europe.

Views of Port of Chittagong and container gantry cranes...

 

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Now for something a bit unusual, a local malt beverage...BRAVER.

 

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Record Exports Seen Rising as Bangladesh Woos U.S. Consumers

Arun Devnath
January 24, 2016 — 2:00 PM PST

• Bangladesh's export earnings rose to $3.2 billion in December
• Demographics offer it an edge over other Asia frontier markets

Investors looking for alternatives amid the global slump would do well to check out Bangladesh.

Exports rose to a record last month even as other regional economies reported continued declines, and economists say shipments will increase as Americans rush to buy cheap clothes. Bangladesh’s central bank forecasts inflation will slow and the World Bank predicts growth will accelerate to 6.7 percent this year, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

"Over the medium-to-long term, we are bullish on the growth prospects of Bangladesh’s industrial and export sectors," Raphael Mok, Asia analyst at Fitch unit BMI Research, said by e-mail. "The country boasts a large and youthful population, as well as relatively low labor costs."

As the world’s large emerging markets falter, frontier economies like Bangladesh and Vietnam are holding steady. Bangladesh’s increasing market share in the European Union and recovering U.S. demand shield it from China’s slowdown, while better demographics offer it an edge over other Asian nations.

Bangladeshis are most optimistic about their economic prospects in 2016 among more than 66,000 people polled across 68 countries, WIN-Gallup reported last month. Per capita incomes rose past $1,000 in 2015 and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina targets a tripling to over $4,000 by 2021.

The positive view is driven in part by exports, which contribute about 20 percent to Bangladesh’s gross domestic product. Garments account for about 80 percent of overseas shipments and two-thirds of these go to the U.S. and European Union. The sector had temporarily seen a setback following a series of industrial disasters in the past few years.

Another factor boosting the outlook is relative political stability. Violent clashes early last year between Hasina’s ruling party and the main opposition was estimated to have cost the $187 billion economy more than $2 billion in losses.

"Stability has returned and chances of recurrence of the kind of instability experienced in the last half of 2013 and the first half of 2015 is very slim at least in the near term," said Zahid Hussain, an economist at the World Bank. "There has been significant progress in improving compliance in the garment industry."

Vietnamese Competition
While Bangladesh’s exports are on track to meet the government’s 7.2 percent growth target for the year through June, competition from Vietnam means Hasina mustn’t stop efforts to diversify from cheap garments, Hussein said.

Risks loom from a prolonged slowdown in the European Union -- which buys 61 percent of Bangladeshi garments -- and implementation of the Trans-Pacific Partnership would threaten the U.S. market, which purchases 20 percent of textile exports.

Tariffs on Vietnamese exports would fall to zero under the TPP, compelling Bangladesh to increase productivity.

Vietnam’s workforce is estimated to have peaked in 2015, whereas Bangladesh’s is projected to peak in 2030, according to the World Bank.

Bangladesh’s inflation will ease to an average 6.07 percent at the end of the fiscal year through June from 6.2 percent in December, the central bank said this month as it cut interest rates to a four-year low to spur investment.

"Export growth is likely to get stronger as the year goes on, as global demand picks up and manufacturers continue to look at Bangladesh as a cheap alternative location for their factories," said Daniel Martin, a Singapore-based economist at Capital Economics Ltd.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...een-rising-in-this-fast-growing-asian-economy

 

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Leather sector's exports cross $1b for second year

Photo: Star/File


Refayet Ullah Mirdha

Exports of leather and leather goods crossed $1 billion for the second year in fiscal 2014-15, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau.

In 2014-15, Bangladesh exported leather and leather goods worth $1.13 billion, compared with $1.12 billion in the previous fiscal year, making it the second highest contributor to national exports after garment.

Jute and jute goods became the third highest export earner, data shows. Bangladesh exports leather shoes, travel bags, wallets, belts and finished leather.

The sector has been performing well, as higher export values have helped the sector earn over $1 billion for two years in a row, said Syed Nasim Manzur, managing director of Apex Footwear Ltd, Bangladesh's largest footwear exporter that shipped $110 million of goods overseas in 2013.

Despite earnings growth, the country missed the export target of $1.4 billion by 19.09 percent in 2014-15, he said.

Bangladesh aims to export $1.21 billion of leather and leather goods in 2015-16, which is 7.28 percent higher from last fiscal year, he said.

Italy, the UK, Belgium, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, the US and Canada are the big markets for the sector, he said.

In recent years, the exporters have been doing well in Japan, India, Nepal and Australian markets, Manzur said.

“Of the new destinations, Japan is very promising for us, as our export is increasing significantly in the market because of a duty-free advantage.”

The government should negotiate with Japan as the possibility of a free trade deal to be signed by different countries with the Asian economic giant may encourage it to cancel the duty benefit, he said.

Bangladesh now exports only 0.5 percent of the global leather and leather goods market worth $215 billion, according to industry insiders.

The sector may achieve the target by the end of the current fiscal year, although it missed the target in the last two years, said Saiful Islam, president of the Leathergoods & Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh.

“Our export missed the target for two reasons: the crisis in Eurozone and environmental problems in Hazaribagh area,” Islam told The Daily Star.

The appreciation of the taka against the euro was also responsible for missing the target, he said.

International retailers are placing a low number of work orders in the factories housed in Hazaribagh tanneries that are polluting the environment, Islam said.

The Hazaribagh tanneries were supposed to be relocated to Savar tannery estate few years ago, he said.

“Our target is to export $5 billion of leather and leather goods by 2020 as our new export destinations are showing great promises,” he said.

Bangladesh exports 30 percent of its leather and leather goods to Japan every year, Islam said.

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Pacific A-1 Group is a small exporter exporting womens' casual shoes to the EU.

MAF Shoes Ltd. - a larger export-oriented athletic shoes factory.

 

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A selection of Bags and small leather goods made by PICARD Bangladesh. PICARD targets relatively high-end price bracket markets for these products in the EU compared to other regional leather goods exporters. Take this at face value though - I don't know squat about ladies' bags.

 

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Floriculture in Bangladesh - Gerbera daisies

BANbiz - Leather footwear...

 

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More Banbiz footwear images...a smaller outfit...

 

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VIP Luggage India opened a huge soft-luggage unit in Mongla, Bangladesh to counteract rising cost of China luggage imports. This is their fourth and only unit overseas...

The factory's been in operation for a while and exporting to India, the image is from 2013...

 

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Guosheng Bangladesh manufactures flat jacquard knitting machines and spares.