Author: Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
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A CNC machine processes metal components at a machinery and equipment microenterprise.
Stories
October 26, 2026

Building a cleaner, more competitive machinery sub-sector

Muhammad Khaled Aminul Hasan, Senior Program Manager (Enterprise Development-Light Engineering), SMART Project, PKSF

The machinery and equipment sub-sector is a vital part of Bangladesh’s industrial base, with steady demand for spare parts, machines, and equipment. Yet micro-enterprises in this space still struggle with outdated, energy-inefficient technology, a shortage of skilled workers, and limited access to finance. The result is poor resource use, high energy consumption, excessive material waste, and weak environmental performance. Under PKSF’s SMART project, Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices offer a practical route to improving both the economic and environmental performance of these enterprises.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) adoption has been one of the most visible interventions. Around 425 of the roughly 1,600 micro-enterprises (MEs) in the cluster, about 27 percent, have now commissioned solar PV systems. These installations are cutting electricity consumption by 10 to 20 percent at the enterprise level, though actual savings depend on system size, load profile, and seasonal sunlight. Beyond cost savings, solar adoption reduces dependence on the national grid and strengthens energy security.

Power Factor Improvement (PFI) plants are delivering similar gains in electrical efficiency. Inductive loads from lathes, milling machines, grinders, and compressors typically pull power factor down to 0.75–0.80. PFI plants raise this to at least 0.95, cutting reactive power losses on the grid while helping enterprises avoid utility penalties and improve voltage stability. Twelve micro-enterprises have adopted PFI plants so far.

Workplace safety measures at a machinery and equipment microenterprise supported by the SMART project.
Implementing occupational health and safety measures protects industrial workers while boosting workplace efficiency.
An induction furnace used for metal melting at a foundry supported by the SMART project.
The coal-fired cupola furnace has been replaced by an electric induction furnace that has eliminated GHG emissions and ash.

Modern manufacturing equipment, including CNC vertical machining centers and CNC lathes, is also reshaping the cluster. These machines produce dies, molds, and spare parts with greater precision, cutting material waste by 15 to 20 percent and improving energy efficiency per unit of output by 10 to 20 percent. They also reduce rejection rates and rework, boosting both productivity and product quality for the 11 micro-enterprises now using them.

In foundries, induction furnaces are replacing conventional ones, cutting energy use by 20 to 30 percent and emissions by 25 to 40 percent, while reducing slag generation by 30 to 50 percent. Better waste management practices are enabling a further 20 to 30 percent reduction in solid waste through recycling and reuse.

Proper handling of metal chips and scrap is another key practice. Segregating chips by type and using manual compactors and mobile trolleys improves recycling efficiency, frees up storage space, and reduces hazards from scattered sharp waste. Foundry slag, once dumped along roadsides and on farmland as a pollution hazard, is now being recycled into blocks, pavement tiles, and other construction materials, turning a waste burden into a circular-economy asset.

Occupational health and safety improvements round out the picture. Clean drinking water, scheduled machine maintenance, clear safety signage, and standardized operating procedures are reducing workplace accidents and supporting compliance with responsible production standards.

Taken together, these interventions show how the SMART project is helping the machinery and equipment sub-sector cut costs, reduce its environmental footprint, and strengthen domestic production capacity in place of imports.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
PKSF officials participate in the AI for Workplace Productivity training programme organized by the PKSF Training Centre with funding from the SMART Project.
News & Events
October 18, 2026

SMART project trains PMU officials on AI tools to enhance workplace productivity

The SMART project has supported a five-day training program titled ‘AI for Workplace Productivity’ to strengthen the capacity of Project Management Unit (PMU) officials to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their daily work.

Organized by the PKSF Training Centre with funding from the SMART project, the training was conducted in two batches, with 20 officials participating in each batch. The first batch began on 27 September 2026 at PKSF Bhaban-2, while the second batch took place from 11 to 15 October 2026. A total of 40 PKSF officials, including five mainstream PKSF staff, participated in the training.

Md Mashiar Rahman, Deputy Managing Director of PKSF, inaugurated the first batch of the training program. Md Mesbahur Rahman, General Manager of PKSF, and Dipen Kumar Saha, Unit Head of the PKSF Training Centre, were also present at the inaugural session.

PKSF Deputy Managing Director Md Mashiar Rahman, General Manager Md Mezbabur Rahman, and PKSF Training Centre Unit Head Dipen Kumar Saha attend the inaugural session of the AI for Workplace Productivity training program.

In his inaugural address, Md Mashiar Rahman emphasized the importance of AI literacy in modern workplaces. “In our modern-day office, AI literacy is imperative. Our office is very keen on it and wants to train every officer. The scope of PKSF’s work is expanding, so we need to be more efficient,” he said. At the closing session of the second batch, he reiterated the importance of improving workplace efficiency through the effective use of modern AI tools.

The training was designed in response to the growing need for AI-based solutions in the day-to-day operations of PKSF. Officials regularly undertake tasks such as report writing, documentation, presentation development, data analysis, photo editing, and various administrative and technical activities. AI tools can help streamline these processes, improve the quality of outputs, and reduce the time required to complete routine tasks.

Participants engage in a practical session on using artificial intelligence tools to improve workplace productivity during the SMART Project-supported training.

The hands-on sessions covered the effective and responsible use of AI tools, prompt engineering techniques, Bengali and English audio/video transcription and translation, preparation of official documents and reports, data analysis and visualization, presentation development, and digital content production. Participants also explored practical applications of AI for analyzing project information and preparing professional documents and visual materials. The training is expected to help participants save time, improve the quality of their work, and perform their responsibilities more efficiently in an increasingly technology-driven workplace.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
World Bank and PKSF representatives visit a SMART-supported dairy farm in Dumuria, Khulna, to observe climate-resilient technologies and resource-efficient farming practices.
News & Events
October 15, 2026

WB-PKSF delegation reviews dairy and environment-friendly construction materials sub-projects

A delegation from the World Bank visited SMART project-supported dairy farms and environment-friendly construction materials factories in Khulna, Satkhira, and Jashore on 12-13 October 2026 to review project progress, assess resource-efficient and cleaner production (RECP) technologies, and identify opportunities for improvement.

Implemented by Unnayan Prochesta with support from PKSF, the sub-projects aim to promote climate-resilient production, efficient resource use, improved productivity, and environmentally sustainable practices.

World Bank, PKSF, and SMART project representatives exchange views with entrepreneurs and stakeholders on sustainable dairy farming and environment-friendly construction materials.

On 12 October, the delegation visited four SMART-supported dairy farms in Hogladanga village, Dumuria, Khulna. There the team observed technologies including a multi-head fogger, hybrid solar system, biogas plant, mini-community drainage, silage production, grass chopper machine, and Internet of Things (IoT)-based solutions. They also visited a household-level organic fertilizer production initiative in Tala, Satkhira, which commercially produces organic fertilizer and Tricho-compost.

A community consultation meeting brought together 30 participants, including entrepreneurs, trained Livestock Service Providers (LSPs), and Model Environmental Club members. Discussions focused on reducing electricity and water consumption, improving milk quality, strengthening waste management, and ensuring safe farm operations. Entrepreneurs proposed establishing suitable cow dung storage facilities and community-level milk analyzer machines to improve hygienic milk production and marketing.

World Bank and PKSF representatives inspect resource-efficient production technologies at a SMART-supported block and paving tile factory in southwestern Bangladesh.

On 13 October, the delegation visited USA BANGLA Block in Satkhira and RK Block and Parking Tiles in Manirampur, Jashore. The team observed RECP measures, including production-enhancing moulds, water sprinklers, solar power systems, power factor improvement (PFI) meters, solid waste management chambers, wastewater soak pits, dike walls, and the use of iron dust to improve material quality.

Discussions with entrepreneurs covered environmental and social management, waste recycling, occupational health and safety (OHS), grievance redress mechanisms (GRM), and workplace safety. World Bank Environmental Specialist Sharlin Hossain also reviewed facilities for women workers, including separate toilets, rest areas, and complaint-handling arrangements.

The delegation included Keisuke Iyadomy, Task Team Leader; S. M. Zulkernine, Senior Environmental Specialist; Shariful Islam, Senior Environmental and Social (E&S) Specialist; and Sharlin Hossain, Environmental Specialist. They were accompanied by officials from PKSF and Unnayan Prochesta.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
PKSF Deputy Managing Director Md. Mashiar Rahman inaugurates the Photo Documentation and Visual Storytelling training workshop under the SMART project at PKSF Bhaban-2 in Dhaka on 14 July 2026.
News & Events
October 13, 2026

SMART project trains PO officials in visual storytelling

The SMART project organized a three-day training workshop titled ‘Photo Documentation and Visual Storytelling’ to strengthen the capacity of its Partner Organizations (POs) to document grassroots development and communicate project impact through compelling visual stories.

The first batch, comprising 25 officials from POs, was inaugurated on 14 July 2026 at PKSF Bhaban-2 by Md. Mashiar Rahman, Deputy Managing Director of PKSF. Also present were Dipen Kumar Saha, Unit Head of the PKSF Training Centre; A. K. M. Zahirul Haque, SMART Project Coordinator; and other officials from PKSF and the SMART project.

The workshop combines theoretical and practical sessions on the fundamentals of photography, field documentation, and visual storytelling. Participants are also learning how to capture quality photographs using mobile phones and present project achievements and changes in people’s lives more effectively.

In his inaugural remarks, Md. Mashiar Rahman highlighted the challenges of selecting high-quality photographs from field-level activities for publications, reports, and communication materials. He emphasized that a good photograph does more than document an activity, it can convey a project’s impact, illustrate meaningful change, and bring people’s experiences to life. He expressed hope that the training would strengthen participants’ skills and enrich PKSF’s knowledge management, publications, and institutional communication.

Officials from SMART project Partner Organizations participate in a practical photography and visual storytelling session during a training workshop organized by PKSF.
By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
Participants attend a one-day training on Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) operations under the SMART project at PKSF Bhaban-1 in Agargaon, Dhaka, on 5 October 2026.
News & Events
October 13, 2026

SMART project strengthens grievance redress capacity of POs

The SMART project organized a one-day training on 5 October 2026 for members of the Grievance Redress Committees (GRCs) of the implementing Partner Organizations (POs), aiming to strengthen their knowledge, capacity, and effective engagement in grievance management.

Held at PKSF Bhaban-1 in Agargaon, Dhaka, the training invited two representatives from each of 18 Partner Organizations, a GRC focal person and a female GRC member, with a total of 36 participants.

Shariful Islam, Senior Environmental and Social (E&S) Specialist at the World Bank, served as the resource person and conducted the training session. The key topics included the World Bank’s guidance on Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRM), the Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), the SMART project’s GRM process, the roles and responsibilities of GRCs, and the Environmental and Social Incident Response Toolkit (ESIRT).

Shariful Islam, Senior Environmental and Social Specialist at the World Bank, conducts a training session on grievance redress mechanisms for SMART project Partner Organizations.

The training emphasized the importance of an accessible, transparent, and effective grievance redress process, enabling Partner Organizations to address complaints fairly while strengthening environmental and social accountability under the SMART project.

Sharing her experience, Susmita Sayeeda Labonnya, Deputy Executive Director of CCDA and a participant in the training, said, “Through this training, I learned about the roles and responsibilities of the Grievance Redress Committee in addressing complaints fairly and transparently. As a woman member, I learned the importance of listening to women’s concerns, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring that everyone receives fair treatment and justice.”

The SMART PMU will also provide training to the remaining 36 PO officials in two batches.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
World Bank and PKSF representatives inspect an environment-friendly block manufacturing facility under the SMART project in Khulna and Bagerhat.
News & Events
October 12, 2026

WB-PKSF delegation visits environment-friendly construction materials sub-projects in Khulna and Bagerhat

A delegation from the World Bank and PKSF visited three block and paving tile manufacturing facilities in Khulna and Bagerhat on 11 October 2026 to review the progress of the ‘Environment-friendly Construction Materials’ sub-sector activities and identify opportunities to improve environmental performance and market access.

Implemented by CODEC, the sub-project promotes environment-friendly construction materials and strengthens environmental and social management in the manufacturing sector.

World Bank environmental specialist examines environmental management practices at a block and paving tile manufacturing facility under the SMART project.

The World Bank delegation included Keisuke Iyadomy, Task Team Leader; SM Zulkernine, Senior Environmental Specialist; Md Shariful Islam, Social Development Consultant; and Sharlin Hossain, Environmental Specialist. They were accompanied by SMART Project Coordinator A. K. M. Zahirul Haque, other PKSF representatives, and officials from CODEC, including Quazi Wafiq Alam, Director of the Programme and Knowledge Management Department, and focal person Sheikh Rezwan Hasan.

During the visits, the delegation discussed environmental and social management, waste recycling, production efficiency, occupational health and safety (OHS), and the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM).

Following the factory visits, a community consultation meeting was held with 15 entrepreneurs, a Senior Assistant Engineer from the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Bagerhat, and environmental club representatives.

Participants discussed the potential of concrete blocks as an alternative to conventional clay bricks, market expansion opportunities, water quality challenges, and improvements to factory environments. The discussion also highlighted the need for greater coordination between entrepreneurs and environmental clubs.

World Bank, PKSF, CODEC, and local stakeholders participate in a community consultation meeting on environment-friendly construction materials.

To promote wider adoption of environment-friendly blocks, the delegation recommended public awareness campaigns, expanded training for masons, and stronger engagement with stakeholders to increase the use of blocks in public and private construction projects.

Through the SMART project, CODEC provides entrepreneurs with training, technical assistance, improved production methods, product quality testing, learning visits, and marketing support. These interventions aim to improve resource efficiency, strengthen environmental management, and promote the sustainable growth of Bangladesh’s construction materials sector.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
World Bank and PKSF delegation members inspect production activities at a mini-garment factory in Gogannagar, Narayanganj.
News & Events
October 8, 2026

WB-PKSF delegation reviews Mini-Garments sub-project in Narayanganj

Gogannagar, Narayanganj, on 1 October 2026 to review the implementation progress, achievements and ongoing activities of the ‘Promoting Sustainable Mini-garments through RECP Practices’ sub-project implemented by Palli Mongal Karmosuchi (PMK).

The delegation first visited the PMK Nitaiganj branch office, where a presentation on the progress and implementation of the sub-project was delivered. The team then visited five factories in the Gogannagar mini-garments cluster: Mayer Doya Hosiery, Bhai Bhai Embroidery, SD Hosiery and Garments, Bismillah Hosiery and Bismillah Garments.

The field visit focused on assessing the implementation of project-supported activities and understanding changes in productivity, efficiency, workforce skills, working conditions and workplace safety. The delegation also reviewed the use of modern technologies and production methods in the mini-garments sector, while identifying achievements, challenges and opportunities for further improvement.

During the factory visits, the delegation observed different sections of the production facilities and the various stages of the manufacturing process. Team members also spoke directly with factory owners, managers and workers to understand how project-supported initiatives were being implemented in practice.

Particular attention was given to production processes, workers’ practices, skills development, the use of modern technologies and equipment, working conditions, occupational health and safety, productivity enhancement, quality control, waste management and the effective use of workers’ skills.

A consultation meeting was subsequently held with factory owners and workers in the presence of senior PMK officials and sub-project personnel. Discussions covered the practical impact of project-supported loan assistance, training and other interventions. Entrepreneurs shared their experiences in applying newly acquired skills and described the positive effects on their production processes, while the delegation sought further information about project implementation and outcomes.

The visit identified several positive developments at the enterprise level. Skills development initiatives were found to be contributing to improved workforce capacity, while improved work practices, skilled personnel and modern technology were creating opportunities to enhance productivity. The use of modern machinery was also observed to support greater efficiency and improved production quality. Attention to the working environment and worker safety, alongside strengthened management capacity, was identified as another positive aspect of the intervention.

World Bank and PKSF delegation members inspect production activities at a mini-garment factory in Gogannagar, Narayanganj.

The delegation and project team also identified areas requiring continued attention to make the interventions more effective and sustainable. These include strengthening regular and needs-based training, expanding the use of modern technologies and production methods, regularly monitoring workplace health and safety, establishing effective productivity improvement plans, assessing the application and outcomes of workers’ training, documenting project achievements, and exploring opportunities to replicate successful initiatives in other suitable factories.

The visit further recommended continued monitoring of project activities, sustained investment in skills development, the introduction of results-based performance indicators, stronger workplace safety measures, greater adoption of modern technologies, systematic documentation of successful interventions, regular collection of beneficiary feedback, and periodic assessment and reporting of project results. The report also emphasized the importance of appropriately implementing recommendations from PKSF and the World Bank.

The field visit concluded with a community consultation involving local entrepreneurs and other stakeholders, providing an opportunity to capture their experiences and views. The visit highlighted the progress being made under the SMART sub-project and the potential for further improvements in sustainable microenterprise development through skills enhancement, modern production technologies, improved productivity and safer working environments.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
World Bank and PKSF delegation members visit a SMART-supported food business in Badda, Dhaka.
News & Events
October 8, 2026

WB-PKSF delegation visits street food activities of SMART project in Dhaka

A joint delegation from the World Bank and PKSF visited microenterprises in Badda, Dhaka, supported under the SMART project, on 31 August 2026, to observe the adoption of Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices in the restaurant, street food and bakery sectors.

Implemented by SAJIDA Foundation under the SMART project, the sub-project helps small food businesses improve resource efficiency, hygiene, food safety and workplace conditions through financing, grants and practical training.

During the visit, the delegation observed a range of RECP measures adopted by participating enterprises, including solar energy, energy-efficient cooking equipment and lighting, improved ventilation, water-saving arrangements, safer waste handling, and enhanced hygiene and occupational safety practices. These measures are designed to reduce the consumption of energy, water and raw materials, lower operating costs, and minimize the environmental footprint of small food businesses.

World Bank, PKSF and SAJIDA Foundation officials discuss RECP practices with an entrepreneur at a SMART-supported food business.

The delegation also interacted with entrepreneurs to learn about their experiences in implementing the practices and the changes these interventions have brought to their day-to-day operations. The discussions highlighted the importance of combining financial support with practical guidance to help small businesses adopt cleaner, safer, and more resource-efficient production methods.

The World Bank delegation comprised Keisuke Iyadomi, Senior Climate Change Specialist; Hosna Ferdous Sumi, Senior Private Sector Specialist, Finance, Competitiveness and Investment; Shariful Islam, Senior Social Development Specialist; Sayed Mujtaba Shobair, Environmental Specialist; and Jasmin Kraehenbuehl, Climate Finance and Carbon Market Analyst.

Representing PKSF were A.K.M. Zahirul Haque, Assistant General Manager, CERD and Project Coordinator of the SMART project; and Abu Hayad Md. Rahat Hossain, Manager, CERD and Deputy Project Coordinator of the SMART project. Md. Fazlul Hoque, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of SAJIDA Foundation, also accompanied the delegation.

The delegation appreciated the visible progress in implementing RECP measures at the enterprise level and identified opportunities to expand technology adoption and extend support to more micro and small food businesses. The visit also underscored the importance of strengthening environmental management, food safety, and occupational health and safety practices to improve business sustainability and resilience.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
World Bank delegation and officials from PKSF and Coast Foundation attend a progress review meeting on the SMART dry fish processing sub-project in Cox’s Bazar.
News & Events
October 8, 2026

WB delegation conducts HIRA assessment of dry fish processing sub-project in Cox’s Bazar

A World Bank delegation conducted a three-day field visit to Cox’s Bazar from 17 to 19 August 2026 to review the overall progress, environmental and social commitments, Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices, and field-level activities of the SMART project’s dry fish processing sub-project implemented by Coast Foundation.

The delegation also conducted a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) to identify potential occupational, environmental and social risks associated with dry fish processing activities and assess measures for their prevention and mitigation.

A sub-project progress review meeting was held at the Coast Foundation’s Cox’s Bazar Center on 17 August. The meeting was attended by Sharlin Hossain, Environmental Specialist, World Bank; Samira Chowdhury, Social Development Specialist, World Bank; and Zahin Takrim Hossain, Programme Assistant, World Bank, along with senior officials from PKSF and Coast Foundation.

During the meeting, the progress of the sub-project was presented, followed by a detailed review of the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and the status of its implementation. Discussions focused particularly on gender inclusion, occupational health and safety (OHS), and the adoption of climate-resilient RECP technologies and practices in the dry fish processing sector. The World Bank delegation provided observations and guidance on strengthening environmental and social safeguards and ensuring compliance with the project’s commitments.

World Bank, PKSF and Coast Foundation officials participate in a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment session for the dry fish processing sub-project.

A dedicated session on HIRA was also held, where potential hazards associated with the subproject activities were identified and discussed. The participants reviewed possible risks across different stages of the dry fish processing value chain and discussed appropriate preventive and mitigation measures.

The delegation also visited the Nazirartek dry fish processing area in Cox’s Bazar. The team inspected several key facilities and technologies introduced or supported under the sub-project, including a container-type cold storage facility, dry fish waste collection and processing center, raw fish washing floor and soak pit, solar fish dryer technology, and a plastic recycling unit.

During the field visit, the delegation interacted with entrepreneurs and workers to understand operational practices, identify potential hazards, and assess the effectiveness of existing risk mitigation measures. Particular attention was given to occupational health and safety, environmental management, resource efficiency, waste management, and the practical application of RECP technologies.

The team then held a community consultation meeting with local entrepreneurs, elected representatives, women workers, and other stakeholders. Participants highlighted several issues requiring further attention, including the renovation of the road in Samitirpara, establishment of a primary healthcare facility for female workers, construction of adequate public toilets for women workers, and greater opportunities for developing the dry fish sector as an export-oriented industry through access to modern markets.

The field visit concluded with an emphasis on strengthening safeguards across the entire dry fish value chain, from fish harvesting and processing to final consumption. The delegation stressed the importance of keeping all SMART-supported activities free from child labor, strengthening occupational health and safety measures, ensuring a safe and appropriate working environment for women, and implementing adequate preventive measures against identified hazards and risks throughout the value chain.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)
Shabiha Akter Pinky stands in her electric switch and socket manufacturing workshop in Kadamtoli, Dhaka, with a rooftop solar panel installation and workers assembling products in the background.
Stories
September 10, 2026

The switch that changed everything in Pinky’s workshop

In a rented 550-square-foot workshop tucked into South Donia, Kadamtoli, the steady hum of machines making electric switches and socket connectors used to compete with something else: the anxiety of rising power bills and the disruption of frequent load-shedding. Today, that hum is powered increasingly by sunlight.

Shabiha Akter Pinky, 31, runs Aual Electric Product, a small manufacturing enterprise that employs six workers, two men and four women, producing switches and socket connectors for the local market. Like many microentrepreneurs in Bangladesh’s metal products sub-sector, Pinky built her business the hard way, growing it into an operation with a total investment of BDT 25 lakh and dependable profits. But growth came with a cost: heavy dependence on grid electricity, mounting energy bills, and the vulnerability that comes with unpredictable power supply.

That began to change when Pinky, supported by ‘BASTOB – Initiative for Peoples Self Development’ under the SMART project, decided to adopt Resource-Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) practices at her factory.

Shabiha Akter Pinky stands in her electric switch and socket manufacturing workshop in Kadamtoli, Dhaka, with a rooftop solar panel installation and workers assembling products in the background.

With a BDT 20,000 RECP grant and a first-time loan of BDT 8 lakh, she installed a solar power system to run her lights, fans, water pump and equipment; introduced proper waste storage for metal dust through a dust collector; and added an exhaust fan to improve air circulation on the factory floor.

“After installing solar panel, I don’t use electricity from the national grid during the entire daylight hours. As a result, my monthly electricity bill has been reduced. When other factories are closed due to load shedding in the area, work continues on a small scale in my factory.”

The numbers back up her experience. Since adopting RECP practices, Pinky’s production has climbed from 1,800 kg to 2,200 kg, while her energy costs have dropped by 10 to 15 percent: from BDT 22,000–25,000 to BDT 20,000–22,000 per month. Her net profit has grown from BDT 5–6 lakh to BDT 7–8 lakh, and rather than discarding metal waste, she now collects and sells roughly 1,050 kg of it, up from 800 kg previously left unmanaged.

The changes extend beyond the balance sheet. With solar power now running lights, fans and even a CCTV camera, and with the dust collector keeping the workshop cleaner, Pinky also invested in two split air conditioners to improve conditions for her staff.

The effect on morale has been tangible. “We have a nice working environment in the factory. So, we are encouraged to work more in this comfortable environment in the heat, and the working spirit has also increased,” says one of the factory’s workers.

Pinky’s transformation has not gone unnoticed in her community. Other micro-entrepreneurs, curious about the advantages and disadvantages of going solar, have visited her factory to see the system for themselves — and she has become an informal advocate, encouraging her neighbors to make the switch to cut their own electricity costs.

She has also linked her business with the Bangladesh Electrical Merchandise Manufacturers Association (BEMMA) to expand her market reach.

Looking ahead, Pinky wants to grow further: expanding into new territories, strengthening her product branding to reach more buyers, and building her capacity in e-commerce-based marketing. With continued support, she is confident her cleaner, more efficient factory can become an even bigger source of livelihoods in her community.

By Alal Ahmed, Program Manager (Communication and Knowledge Management)