A technical seminar was jointly organized by GPH Ispat Limited, the country's leading rebar manufacturer, and the Public Works Department (PWD) on April 10, 2025, at the PWD Conference Hall.

The seminar highlighted the results of collaborative research involving the application of high-strength rebar B600D-R and optimum concrete in RCC building design. Renowned engineers from across the country participated in the seminar. The discussion focused on how high-strength rebar B600D-R contributes to cost-effective and efficient RCC construction. Additionally, the seminar emphasized the eco-friendly nature and sustainability potential of "Rebar Grade B600D-R."

The seminar was graced by the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, Mohammad Shamim Akhtar, as the chief guest. Also present were additional chief engineers, executive engineers, superintending engineers, and other senior officials from various departments. Mohammed Almas Shimul, Additional Managing Director of GPH Ispat Limited, attended as a special guest. Among other notable attendees were Dr. Raquib Ahsan, Professor at BUET; former Professor Dr. Syed Fakhrul Ameen; and other professors from various universities. Also present were former Additional Chief Engineer of PWD A.H. Mohammad Motiur Rahman (P.Eng.), Engineer Abul Faraj Khan (P.Eng.), former Chief Engineer of the Public Works Design Division Md. Ahsan Habib (P.Eng.), and former Director General of the Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI) Mohammad Abu Sadeque (P.Eng.). Engineers from various public and private organizations also participated in the seminar.

Two research papers were presented during the seminar. Sub-Divisional Engineer Md. Kamruzzaman (P.Eng.) demonstrated how the use of high-strength rebars can be highly effective in RCC building design. High-strength rebars reduce rebar congestion and significantly lower construction costs. Furthermore, the use of such rebars contributes to reduced carbon emissions and greenhouse gases, supporting sustainable development.

The second paper was presented by Md. Zahid Hasnain, who explained the strength compatibility of desired concrete with high-strength rebars and discussed various aspects of using these rebars in construction. Professors Dr. Raquib Ahsan and Dr. Fakhrul Ameen emphasized the usage of high-strength rebars as per Clause 2.1.1 of Part 5, Chapter 2 of the current BNBC 2020. Former engineer A.H. Md. Motiur Rahman suggested updating the BNBC 2020 to incorporate high-strength rebar usage and urged for its inclusion in the updated Schedule of Rates (SOR) of the Public Works Department. Mohammad Abu Sadeque, former Director General of HBRI, highlighted the importance of reducing carbon emissions through the use of environmentally friendly construction materials and praised GPH Ispat for its leadership in this area. He also called for further institutional capacity development at HBRI, with potential collaboration from GPH Ispat.

Md. Saiful Islam, Technical Head of GPH Ispat, expressed the company's commitment to making high-strength rebars easily available across the country and focused on the importance of following advanced technologies in producing quality rebars.

Mohammed Almas Shimul, Additional Managing Director of GPH Ispat Limited, said, "We must advance through research. In developed countries, private sector organizations also take initiatives in research alongside the government. GPH Ispat is conducting joint research with institutions like BUET and MES, and we are planning to send our team of engineers to the University of Tokyo in Japan. They will undergo various training and research programs, which will help enhance our technological capacity. GPH Ispat is not only focused on business goals but also committed to contributing to national development, especially in the field of research."

Mohammad Shamim Akhtar, Chief Engineer of PWD, said, "GPH Ispat has demonstrated its sense of responsibility by investing in construction sector research. Their joint initiatives with universities have set an example. It is essential to continue such research activities. More companies like GPH should step forward to enhance efficiency in the use of construction materials in future building projects."