CNN’s ‘New Frontiers’ meets the entrepreneurs working to transform Bangladesh’s future
In a brand-new 30-minute program, CNN’s ‘New Frontiers’ casts a spotlight on Bangladesh and explores how the country is hard at work building on its rich history to secure a brighter future. From business innovations to creative passions, CNN meets the changemakers who – inspired by tradition – have their sights set on new frontiers.
The journey begins by meeting the innovators who are shaking up traditional industries. Bangladeshi scientist Mubarak Ahmad Khan has developed an eco-friendly alternative to plastic shopping bags using a strong natural fiber called jute, and is even working on jute-based personal protective equipment. Meanwhile, Nasir Uddin Khan, manager of a local tea garden in the hilly region of Sylhet, shares his contribution to the country’s tea industry: a brand-new variety of yellow tea which he developed after months of experimentation.
Next, it’s off to the very northern tip of Bangladesh, home to the Kazi & Kazi Tea Estate – the only USDA-certified organic tea garden in the country. CNN hears from Kazi Anis Ahmed, whose family founded the company with a view to help develop and empower the surrounding community. The business employs locals at the tea garden and has set up a dairy cooperative with neighboring residents. Meanwhile, the readymade garment industry is also helping foster societal change. CNN meets Vidiya Amrit Khan, one of the few women running a garment factory in Bangladesh.
The program then explores Bangladesh’s growing bicycle sector with an inside look at the country’s largest bike manufacturer, Meghna Group. CNN hears from Vice Chairman Rashiqur Rahman Mahin about the company’s bike brand Veloce – one of the first Bangladeshi-branded bicycles. The boom of BDCyclists, the largest recreational biking group in Bangladesh, has been integral to Veloce’s success, and has helped cultivate an entire ecosystem based on biking culture.
As the country looks towards the future, a new generation is bolstering the arts and culture sector. CNN hears from Nadia Samdani, a prominent art philanthropist and the mastermind behind the Dhaka Art Summit – one of South Asia’s largest art events aimed at bolstering the work of homegrown creatives. Finally, we meet Dhaka-based designer Sonia Musa, who is part of a growing group of Bangladeshi fashion designers dedicated to high-end tailoring as opposed to the readymade garments the country has traditionally been known for.
Airtimes for 30-minute special :
Saturday, 26th March at 2pm IST
Sunday, 27th March at 4.30am, 1pm IST
Monday, 28th March at 6am IST
