Concord Group marks 50 years as pioneer of Bangladesh’s modern infrastructure

Concord Group, the company behind Bangladesh’s first high-rise and the National Monument, is celebrating 50 years of operations. Founded in 1973, just after the country’s independence, Concord has played a key role in shaping the nation’s urban and infrastructural landscape, from rebuilding war-damaged bridges to introducing green construction practices.

Established officially in 1975 by S.M. Kamaluddin, Concord began by rebuilding critical infrastructure damaged during the Liberation War, said a press release. 

In the following decades, the company helped lay the foundation of modern Bangladesh through port reconstruction, industrial facilities, and defence infrastructure projects.

In the 1980s, Concord made history by building Dhaka’s first high-rises, including the 20-storey Bangladesh Shilpa Bank Bhaban in Motijheel, which symbolized the capital’s transformation into a modern metropolis.

One of Concord’s most significant national contributions came in 1982 with the construction of the National Monument at Savar. Completed in just 89 days, the monument remains a key site of national remembrance and identity.

Concord also emerged as a leader in sustainable construction. In 1998, the group pioneered the use of green bricks/blocks in Bangladesh, well ahead of national policy shifts. Today, it stands as one of the country’s largest producers and users of eco-friendly materials.

Over the years, Concord has been behind several iconic developments, including the World Trade Centre in Chattogram, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport’s expansion, Police Plaza Concord in Gulshan, Fantasy Kingdom in Ashulia, and Lake City Concord, the country’s first satellite township.