From humble beginnings, Akhtar Group has risen from obscurity to the forefront of Bangladesh’s FURNITURE industry. At the start of a new era, the company is gearing up
Humble Beginnings
In 1976, K. M. Akhtaruzzaman set up a furniture factory, which started the journey of Akhtar Furnishers. Since then, the company has undergone continuous growth, winning the hearts of the masses and advancing the furniture industry in Bangladesh. Akhtar Furnishers is now socially recognised as one of the most prestigious furniture brands in the country. The continued growth of the company enabled diversification opportunities. Several units were initiated, including construction, foam, mattress, board, doors, adhesive, polymer, fashion house, magazine and TV channel. Akhtar Group is now considered one of the largest conglomerates in Bangladesh.
Diversification
Over the years, Akhtar Group has branched out into several diversified units besides furniture. The group’s construction wing, Akhtar Construction, has already finished many iconic projects and is actively contributing to the infrastructure development of the country. The group also has a large manufacturing unit under Akhtar Plywood, producing high-quality standard boards. Akhtar Foam & Mattress are leading manufacturers of quality foams and mattresses in Bangladesh, supplying to the furniture and bedding, industrial, automotive and medical markets.
The group stepped into the world of print media with the launching of Showcase Magazine, the first-ever architecture, interior design and art magazine in Bangladesh. Over the years, the magazine has evolved and is increasing in circulation and broadening in scope, making it the byword for design and art in Bangladesh. JAT Holdings BD (Pvt) Ltd is one of the JV units of Akhtar Group. The brand, under its wing, is called ‘Sayerlack,’ which is currently the top lacquerer brand in the world.
A concern of Akhtar Group, Bangla TV had started its satellite transmission in Bangladesh, intending to serve the nation with quality entertainment, unbiased news and information. It is essentially an entertainment channel with a focus on drama and serials.
Akhtar Group’s fashion brand, Sanafir, is an haute couture brand that embodies a sophisticated lifestyle and elegant fashion, offering Pret wear for the modern women of Bangladesh.
‘Chattogram Challengers’ is a franchise Twenty20 cricket team owned by Akhtar Group, representing the Chattogram division in the Bangladesh Premier League, a Twenty20 cricket tournament.
In the coming days, Akhtar Group has plans to enter into newer arenas, particularly, in food, hospitality and lifestyle businesses.
Research & Development
Akhtar Group’s R&D team’s efforts are geared toward improving its product and process to increase performance and quality. Based on its production data, sales data and market research, the group sets a yearly target to achieve several goals in terms of product lines,
environmental sustainability, energy consumption and manpower. From researching new methods to streamlining production to reducing utility and production costs, and developing new prototypes and samples, Akhtar Group’s R&D strategies fulfil a set of development goals every year.
Process & Design
Akhtar Group’s clear and focused vision is reflected in its process and design. The design team first conducts market research through collaboration with the sales team, analysing the demands and requirements of products in the market. The new design trends and competitors’ strategies are thoroughly studied to create an initial report. Based on the report, the team then makes drawings, keeping into consideration the design specifications, materials, and budget, among several other factors. Through the iterative process of trial and error, the finalised outline for production is sent with detailed drawings.
During production, the team ensures that there is minimum wastage. This not only allows unit prices to stay low but is also an imperative step towards maintaining the sustainability of the production process, thereby causing no harm to the environment. The products are then manufactured and sent to the showrooms as per the demand of the market.
Giving Back
Akhtar Foundation is a non-profit and non-government organisation, aiming to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the unprivileged communities through education and vocational training. It extends its support to the youth from underprivileged communities as a response to the changing needs and contexts. Under its wings are Akhtar Furniture Academy, Akhtar Technical Institute, Kalimuddin Khan (R.A) Hafizia Siddiqia Madrasa, and Anowara Begum Memorial Islamic Shikkhaloy.
Photographs Md. Mishor Ahmed
