
Orion Group (Bangladesh) is a leading business conglomerate in the country. It was established in 1984 by a group of entrepreneurs with a vision to create a business empire that would make a positive impact on the economy and society.
The group's business operations are diverse, spanning various sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, and real estate. Orion Group has established itself as a major player in the Bangladeshi market, with a strong presence in the country's key industries.
One of the key strengths of Orion Group is its commitment to innovation and quality. The group has invested heavily in research and development, resulting in the creation of new products and technologies that have helped it stay ahead of the competition.
Business Operations
Orion Power Meghnaghat Ltd. and Dutch Bangla Power & Associates Ltd. constructed their 100 MW HFO-based power plants in just 9 months, making them the fastest plants in 2011.
These plants were equipped with brand new machineries by Wartsila OY, Finland, and generated an output of 105MW, which is regularly supplied to the national grid.
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Orion Power Khulna Ltd. and Orion Power Dhaka Ltd. are working on coal-based power projects, with the former being the largest single unit IPP at 660MW Supercritical.
The coal-based projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2017, with BTG selected from Alstom, France, and GE of USA and Doosan of Korea, respectively.
Orion has also been awarded with three more coal-based IPPs through competitive tendering process, with project agreements under vetting by their legal team.
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Garments & Textiles:
Orion Group is a diversified business conglomerate with a significant presence in the garments and textiles sector. It was founded by Mohammad Obaidul Karim in 1982.
The group's garment and textiles division is a major contributor to the country's export earnings. One of its notable subsidiaries is Orion Knit Textiles Ltd.
Orion Knit Textiles Ltd. is a 100% export-oriented knit composite unit with knitting, dyeing, finishing, and garment facilities.
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Power & Energy
Orion Power Meghnaghat Ltd. constructed the fastest power plant in 2011, completing it in just 9 months with brand new machineries by Wartsila OY, Finland.
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The generated output of 105MW is regularly supplied to the national grid.
Dutch Bangla Power & Associates Ltd. also achieved the same feat, constructing a 100 MW HFO based power plant in just 9 months with brand new machineries by Wartsila OY, Finland.
Digital Power & Associates Ltd. is nearing completion of a 100MW HFO based IPP at Gognagar, Narayanganj, with brand new machineries by Wartsila OY, Finland.
It's expected to start production from early June 2014.
Orion Power Khulna Ltd. is undertaking the first coal-based power project in IPP, Bangladesh, with a massive 660MW Supercritical unit at Mongla, Khulna.
The project agreements have been signed with the Ministry of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).
Orion Power Dhaka Ltd. is also constructing a 660 MW Supercritical coal-based IPP at Dhaka, making it the largest single unit IPP.
The project agreements have been signed with the Ministry of Power, Energy & Mineral Resources and the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).
Orion has been awarded 3 more coal-based IPPs through a competitive tendering process by the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB).
These projects include two 660MW units and one 300MW unit in various locations.
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Construction & Allied:
The construction and allied sector in Bangladesh is thriving, with several notable projects underway.
City Center stands out as the tallest commercial cum car parking complex in the country, with 40 stories.
Orion Properties Ltd. is involved in constructing world-class architecture and luxury apartments across the country.
Panbo Bangla Mushroom Ltd. is a unique player in the sector, operating a 100% export-oriented mushroom growing, processing, and freezing plant that produces Baby Button (White Button) Mushrooms.
Interior Accom Consortium Ltd. is also making waves with its interior refurbishment work on the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, a project that's currently in progress.
Orion Group's subsidiary companies are working on a major infrastructure project, the Mayor Mohammad Hanif flyover in Dhaka, which will have 11 slip roads or ramps and stretch from the Dhaka-Chittagong highway to Palashi, with a completion target of the end of 2014.
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Rise via Political Connections
Karim's business success can be attributed to his close ties with former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

He acquired two profitable state-owned enterprises, Kohinoor Chemical Industries and Mala Chemical Industries (also known as Orion Infusions), in the 1990s.
Orion Infusions announced large dividends and bonuses for shareholders in 1996, boosting their stock prices before the market collapsed later that year.
The company failed to produce any dividends or bonuses after the market crashed, leading to a case being filed against Karim by the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission.
This case was ineffective, and investigations revealed that Karim was involved in many financial scams between 2001 and 2006.
Most of the contracts he won were awarded by the BNP government based on his credibility.
Karim is credited with introducing the concept of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in Bangladesh's infrastructure development industry.
He recognized the potential of PPPs to contribute to Bangladesh's economic growth and generate employment.
The Mayor Mohammad Hanif Flyover project, a 11.8-km long flyover, was the first of its kind in Bangladesh and was introduced by Karim on a BOOT (build, own, operate & transfer) basis.
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Subsidiaries and Partnerships

The Orion Group (Bangladesh) has a diverse range of subsidiaries that showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to various industries.
Orion Pharma Limited is one of the group's subsidiaries, indicating their presence in the pharmaceutical sector.
The group's subsidiaries also include companies involved in power generation, such as Orion Power Meghnaghat Limited and Orion Power Dhaka Limited.
Orion Power Rupsha Limited and Orion power Sonargaon Limited are also notable power generation subsidiaries.
Here is a list of some of the group's notable subsidiaries:
- Orion Power Meghnaghat Limited
- Orion Power Dhaka Limited
- Orion Power Rupsha Limited
- Orion power Sonargaon Limited
- Orion Pharma Limited
- Orion Agro Products Limited
- Orion Knit Textiles Limited
- Orion Footwear Limited
- Orion Home Appliance Limited
- Orion Games Limited
- Global Shoes Limited
- Amardesh Publications Limited
- Prudential Securities Limited
- Khulna Royal Bengals
- The Business Standard
Financial and Regulatory Matters
Orion Group (Bangladesh) has a well-established financial system in place, with a paid-up capital of Tk. 12.15 crores.
The company's financial health is a top priority, with a focus on maintaining a strong cash flow and managing its expenses effectively.
Orion Group (Bangladesh) has been consistently profitable, with a net profit of Tk. 3.15 crores in the year 2020.
The company's financial stability is a result of its efficient management and sound financial planning.
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Orion Group (Bangladesh) is registered with the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) and has been listed on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) since 2011.
The company's regulatory compliance is a testament to its commitment to maintaining a transparent and accountable business practice.
Orion Group (Bangladesh) has a strong presence in the Bangladeshi market, with a reputation for trust and reliability among its customers and stakeholders.
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