In a historic move set to redefine Bangladesh's automotive landscape, PHP Motors proudly introduced Perodua – the esteemed Malaysian automobile brand – to the Bangladeshi market for the very first time.
A prestigious event was hosted by Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman, founder chairman of the country's top conglomerate PHP Family and Ekushey Padak winner for social service, at the city’s Pan Pacific Sonargaon on Thursday evening.
This landmark occasion was an evening of grandeur and significance. PHP Motors Executive Director (Sales and Marketing) Taseer Karim moderated the ceremony.
Mohammed Akther Parvez, managing director of PHP Motors, said, “Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman is the visionary who established the first automobile plant in Bangladesh in the private sector. Today [Thursday] is a day of celebration for the Perodua vehicle launch inauguration.”
“We would like to thank the National Board of Revenue for supporting our automobile industry from day one by setting up policies to encourage industrialists to establish assembly factories in Bangladesh. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Chattogram customs for prioritising this industry.”
He continued, “I am thrilled to introduce to all of you our latest innovation in the world of transportation. Introducing vehicle app perfect vehicle solutions is a regulation initiative in the automobile industry. Anyone can download this app for free and order their desired spare parts hassle free.
“You all will be happy to know that we have also established a proper service centre in Dhaka, where our customers will be able to buy their desired vehicles, and get spare parts and after sale services as well.”
Parvez added that they also have a service centre in Chattogram, where their customers are already enjoying after sale services, and also getting spare parts on time.
Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman said, “I was able to take the right path in my life. I started with a job paying only Tk 100. But by the grace of Almighty Allah, I have come to this far today. Everything becomes easy if you love in life. Human life is not complete until man respects man.
“The purpose of life is love, care and compassion. Honour, fame does not depend on opulence. It depends on how many people respect and love you. A man of good character and heart is free from pride even though he possesses wealth. Human qualities are life's greatest assets.”
He added, “Never in my life did I think work was small. I worked several times more than I had the responsibility for. I owned my work. My dream was to grow in life, and I earned it through hard work. It is futile to expect success without hard work.
“The fulfillment of life cannot be found in speaking good English or wearing fancy clothes.”
Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman then pointed out, “You have to think about why you came to earth, and stand for truth and justice.
“Without a dream, there can never be success in life. Those who are in need and have dreams of becoming someone big, must have passion, suffering, and haste in their hearts. I would like to thank those who took the PHP family where it is today. I am forever indebted to them.”
High Commissioner of Malaysia Haznah Md Hashim said, “We have strong bilateral trade relations with Bangladesh, and this is an exemplary initiative. Perodua is a Malaysian brand with 300,000 registered cars last year.
“I have personally been using a Perodua car since 2001, which is proof of its reliability. If I could entrust my life to Perodua then why should not you?”
Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury said, “PHP is a company I have known since I was a child. I wish Akhter Parvez a heroic journey with Perodua. We should avoid old reconditioned cars. This culture needs to change. We should focus on making our own cars.
“I wish them success. I will request the company to work with our partners, provide technical training by creating partnerships with universities, and engineering institutions which our prime minister created. It will be an industry and academia partnership.”
“We would like to collaborate so that we can make our own cars,” Mohibul added.
JH Rozman Jaafar, chief operating officer of Perodua, said, “We are providing support in terms of production to after sales services. It is a government to government relationship, and Bangladesh is one of the biggest markets for business opportunity.
“Today we are unveiling four models titled Aruz, Bezza, Axia, and Myvi. These models have been meticulously designed to cater to the diverse needs of the international automotive market, offering a perfect blend of style, performance, and affordability.”
This evening is a historic start to a long term relationship, he added.
PHP Float Glass Industries Ltd Managing Director, and also Director of PHP Family Amir Hossain Sohel said, “Action and inaction both have consequences. Perodua has selected the correct partner for business in Bangladesh.
“PHP Family has businesses in 34 different industries. Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman is a trusted name in Bangladesh. We believe in growth, progress and success, and the proof of success is Sufi Mohamed Mizanur Rahman.”
