Akij Cement produces fly-ash free cement, which gives more strength to structure, helps prevent crack and corrosion of structure, and more importantly it is friendly to environment, said an official of the sister concern of Akij Group.

Since its inception in 2002, the company has been emitting 40 percent less carbon dioxide than other cement brands, said Payar Ahmed Tushar, senior manager for brand and trade marketing at Akij Cement.

"We are the only firm in Bangladesh who produces cement in an environmentfriendly way, as we have introduced the VRM [vertical roller mill] technology in 2009."

Tushar spoke to a group of journalists

during their visit to the company's factory in Narayanganj on October3.

"The company's production system helps save up to 40 percent fuel and 45 percent limestone, which is considered as a decaying natural resource, "he said.

"That is what makes Akij's fly-ash free cement a unique product, especially for a country like us."

VRM is regarded as the most environment-friendly technology across countries like United States, China, France, Spain, Middle East and South Asian regions, he said.

"Being a country like us where environment is threatened with rapid expansion and urbanisation, fly-ash free cement should be the preference for any construction," he said.