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The first-ever exposition on elevators commenced in Dhaka on Thursday, aiming to tap into the growing potential of the sector to support the country’s real estate industry.
The Bangladesh Elevator Escalators and Lift Importers Association (BEELIA) is hosting the three-day event at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), featuring participation from 76 companies.
Md Wahiduzzaman, president of the Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB), inaugurated the expo as the chief guest, while BEELIA President Emdad Ur Rahman chaired the opening session.
Organisers have highlighted that the expo provides a valuable opportunity for service providers to showcase new elevator technology, ensuring maximum client security through innovations like mobile applications, mechanical sensors, and central control rooms. This comes in response to the rapidly expanding housing sector in Dhaka.
Bangladesh’s elevator market remains largely dependent on imports. Currently, around 200 elevator supply companies in the competitive local market install approximately 4,000 to 5,000 elevators annually.
Speaking about the challenges in this emerging sector, BEELIA President Emdad Ur Rahman pointed out the lack of a regulatory body to monitor elevator quality. “There are many companies operating inefficiently, and anyone can import lifts with just an import licence. Although two or three government-certified inspection agencies exist, their enforcement capacity is questionable,” he remarked.
Several BEELIA members have introduced the Internet of Elevators and Escalators (IoEE) system to enhance building safety, according to the trade body leader. Rahman also noted that member companies now import regenerative motor drive elevators, which can save up to 50 percent of electricity. “With sensor-based real-time monitoring, any issues are identified and resolved immediately, improving both the safety and efficiency of movement,” he added.
Eadul Haque, president of the expo's organising committee, mentioned that around 95 percent of elevator importers operate outside of BEELIA, stressing the need for customers to be mindful of service quality.
The exhibition is open to all until 12 October, from 10 am to 7 pm.
