JAGARAN CHAKMA

Runner Group’s subsidiary, Runner Automobiles PLC, is set to assemble electric vehicles (EVs) of Chinese automaker BYD in Bangladesh, marking a significant step forward for the country’s automobile industry.

The company signed a “master supply and manufacturing” agreement with BYD Auto Industry Company on Friday, said Hafizur Rahman Khan, chairman of Runner Group.

The decision was also approved at a board meeting held the same day, where the company reviewed its current business situation, he added.

Runner Automobiles aims to bring locally assembled BYD vehicles to the market within the next year.

In a disclosure to the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) yesterday, the company said the strategic partnership is expected to create new opportunities for Bangladesh’s automotive sector by facilitating local production and enabling technology transfer.

BYD, one of the world’s leading EV manufacturers, officially entered the Bangladesh market in 2024. Its local distributor has since been CG-Runner Bangladesh Limited, a concern of Runner Group.

As part of the new initiative, Runner Automobiles plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, to assemble and paint EVs in collaboration with BYD. The company will receive full technical support from the Chinese automaker to localise production and reduce costs.

Shanat Datta, chief financial officer of Runner Automobiles, said the company is still in the early stages of implementation.

“We are currently in the initial phase following the agreement. Our next step is to finalise the layout and supply chain. Once the design is confirmed, we will be able to determine the total investment,” he said.

Datta also highlighted the potential for cost reductions through local assembly. Currently, importing completely built units (CBUs) involves a duty of around 93 percent,