As rising fuel costs and environmental concerns the country which traditionally relied on internal combustion engines, is weaving dreams into a greener future with its young, tech-savvy population. In this interview, Imtiaz Nawsher, Chief Marketing Officer of BYD Bangladesh, discusses the brand’s strategy to lead this transition.

The Daily Star (TDS): What made Bangladesh a priority market at this stage of your global expansion?

Imtiaz Nawsher (IN): Bangladesh represents a unique convergence of urban density, rising fuel costs, and increasing environmental awareness. All these make the case for new energy mobility particularly compelling in the country. It’s a market that is ready to jump from petrol engines to modern electric power. With a young population, a rising population with higher disposable income, and strong government interest in sustainability, we see Bangladesh as a high-potential, future-forward market.

TDS: SUVs and crossovers dominate local demand. How has this influenced your product strategy in Bangladesh?

IN: Due to road conditions, family usage, and perceived versatility, consumers here prefer SUVs and crossovers. Our portfolio strategy reflects that reality. Models like the Atto 3, Sealion 5, and 6 are designed specifically as per Bangladeshi demands.

TDS: Charging infrastructure remains limited. How is BYD addressing this gap?

IN: We’re approaching this with a multi-layered strategy. First, enabling home charging as the primary solution. Second, we are actively expanding charging accessibility by setting up BYD charging points in collaboration with our partners. And third, ensuring our vehicles are optimised for efficient energy use, reducing dependency on frequent charging.

TDS: How do your cars stay efficient in Dhaka’s heat and traffic?

IN: Our vehicles are engineered for real-world conditions. Advanced thermal management systems ensure battery stability in high temperatures, while regenerative braking and intelligent energy management improve efficiency in stop-and-go traffic. We consistently test our vehicles in real Bangladesh road conditions through initiatives like the Sealion 6 1000KM drive and Endurance Drive.

TDS: How do you stand out from new competitors, and do you see their arrival as a challenge?

IN: We see increased competition as a positive sign. It builds market awareness and strengthens the infrastructure, which ultimately speeds up EV adoption across Bangladesh. Many new brands are entering the market inspired by the momentum we’ve built. We are even seeing other players shift their strategies toward PHEVs following the success of our Sealion 6. This shows that the market is maturing in real time, and we are proud to be leading that change.

Interview conducted by Tagabun Taharim Titun