International students visit MGI ceramic factory
A group of 25 students from universities in 15 countries recently visited the sustainable manufacturing facilities of Meghna Ceramic Industries Limited (MCIL), a concern of Meghna Group of Industries (MGI).
The students are visiting Bangladesh as part of the "Get Engaged: Student Action and Youth Leadership Conference 2026", organised by BRAC University.
The conference brings together students from around the world to develop leadership skills and explore solutions to local and global challenges.
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In Bangladesh, the event is hosted by the School of General Education at BRAC University. The Global Higher Education Alliance for the 21st Century is the global host, along with Bard College's Center for Civic Engagement.
The visit was arranged to give the delegates a first-hand look at how sustainability is integrated into large-scale industrial operations.
During the tour, the students explored MCIL's facilities and learned about the company's environmentally responsible and employee-friendly manufacturing practices.
Senior MCIL officials welcomed the delegates and briefed them on the company's vision, operations and sustainability initiatives.
During the guided tour, the students observed how sustainable practices are integrated into different stages of production and facility management.
The delegates were introduced to the six pillars of MCIL's sustainability strategy: zero groundwater dependency and closed-loop hydrology, emission-free kiln operations, advanced heat management, dust-free environment, renewable energy integration and architectural daylight optimisation.
The students expressed interest in how sustainability principles are applied in a practical industrial setting in Bangladesh.
The visit provided insights into how responsible manufacturing can support both economic growth and environmental protection.
Alena Maslova of SBB Smolny Beyond Borders University, Kyrgyzstan, said the visit offered valuable insight into how sustainability is integrated into industrial operations.
"Learning about MGI's water recycling, dust control, and renewable energy initiatives was both inspiring and educational," she said.
The visit also left an impression on Grace Awad of Al-Quds Bard College for Arts and Sciences (AQB), Palestine.
"It was encouraging to see how environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with creating opportunities for local communities," she said.
For Nasr Al-Aghbari of Bard College Berlin, Yemen, the factory tour was a first-of-its-kind experience.
"I was particularly impressed by MGI's commitment to sustainability, especially its water recycling and dust control measures," he said.
Solomiia Kulachkovska of Bard College Berlin, Ukraine, highlighted the factory's environmental practices.
"I was impressed to see sustainability in action, especially the water treatment and recycling systems. I wish there are more places like MGI in the world," she said.
As part of the conference activities, MGI also showcased its Plastic Farming initiative at a stall on the BRAC University campus.
The project transforms plastic waste into floating cultivation beds, enabling landless farmers to grow vegetables on water bodies.
The initiative aims to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce plastic pollution and create livelihood opportunities for communities.
Students visited the stall, learned about the project and expressed interest in its potential social and environmental impact.
Meghna Group of Industries (MGI), founded in 1976, operates more than 57 industrial units, employs over 65,000 people and markets brands including Fresh.
