Smart Technologies (BD) Limited has inaugurated Bangladesh’s first HONOR smartphone assembly plant at the Kaliakair Hi-Tech Park in Gazipur, marking a significant step in the country’s electronics manufacturing journey. Established with an investment of Tk150 crore, the facility has commenced operations by assembling the HONOR X6c, making it the brand’s first device to be locally assembled in Bangladesh. Full-scale manufacturing is expected to begin within the next six months.

The factory was officially inaugurated on Tuesday, 2 December, by Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and IT, in the presence of senior government officials as well as representatives from Smart Technologies and HONOR Global.

The locally assembled HONOR X6c has been priced at Tk14,990, the same as officially imported units. Unofficial versions of the phone currently sell for Tk1,000–1,500 less in the market. Explaining why local assembly has not resulted in a price reduction, a senior official from Smart Technologies noted that the company had previously sold imported units at a loss to remain competitive. Even now, the official added, the price remains lower than comparable models from other brands, with potential price adjustments expected as additional HONOR models enter production.

According to company officials, an initial batch of 15,000 units has already been assembled, with plans to increase daily production capacity to 60,000 units once the plant becomes fully operational. Managing Director Mohammad Zahirul Islam stated that the Tk150 crore investment currently supports assembly operations, while preparations are underway for full-scale manufacturing. He also confirmed that the facility, which already manufactures Sony electronics, will expand its production lines in the coming months.

When operating at full capacity, the plant is expected to employ more than 500 workers. At present, one production line is active, with additional lines scheduled to be introduced gradually. HONOR representatives highlighted that the facility incorporates AI-supported automation at key stages of assembly to ensure precision and maintain global quality standards.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb described the plant as a milestone in Bangladesh’s digital transformation. He emphasized the need to expand access to devices, reduce skill gaps, and create quality employment opportunities.

He also announced that the government will soon activate the National Equipment Identity Register (NEIR) system to curb illegal smartphone imports and revise the duty structure to provide local assemblers with a competitive advantage over importers. Additionally, he noted that data prices are expected to decline as Bangladesh connects to its third and fourth submarine cables.

Taiyeb further stated that upcoming cyber security, data protection, and digital governance frameworks would enhance investor confidence and help raise smartphone penetration in Bangladesh from the current level of around 40 percent to between 70 and 80 percent.

George Zheng, President of HONOR Southeast Asia, described the new facility as a symbol of collaboration between global expertise and local capability. He noted that the factory represents a commitment to skill development, technological advancement, and community growth in Bangladesh.