Homegrown brand Minister’s edge lies in combining energy efficiency, practical features, and local cost advantage into a user-focused AC design tailored for Bangladesh conditions, said Minister-Myone Group Assistant Director Md Sifat Ullah.
The company is aligning its AC lineup with the industry’s shift towards inverter technology, driven by demand for lower electricity consumption and better performance, he told TIMES in an interview.
According to him, the brand’s strength comes from integrating comfort, efficiency, air quality, and usability into a single product offering.
Minister ACs include dual inverter technology, smart Wi-Fi control, self-cleaning systems, cold plasma purification, anti-bacterial filters, full copper tube construction, low-noise operation, and multi-step energy saver modes. The focus remains on practical user needs such as faster cooling, lower power consumption, better control, cleaner air, and durability rather than only technical specifications.
Local manufacturing provides a key competitive advantage, as most of Bangladesh’s AC demand is now met by locally manufactured or assembled units, with estimates ranging between about 70 per cent and 90 per cent.
Locally made units remain more affordable than fully built imports due to lower duty and landed costs, particularly in the mass 1-tonne to 1.5-tonne segment.
Energy efficiency is central to the positioning. Minister’s inverter models use dual inverter operation, Eco Mode, and multi-step energy saver modes to reduce electricity consumption, while adjusting compressor speed based on cooling demand instead of repeated start-stop cycles. They improve both efficiency and comfort.
A comparison of specifications highlights the advantage, with a Minister 2-tonne inverter model rated around 3.43 compared with about 2.8 for a non-inverter model.
While non-inverter units remain cheaper upfront, inverter models are more cost-effective over long-term use, particularly for households with extended cooling hours.
Durability is reinforced through design choices such as full copper tubes, self-cleaning technology, anti-bacterial filtration, and smoother compressor operation in inverter systems, which reduces mechanical stress.
Some models also support a wider voltage range to manage fluctuations common in local conditions.
The product design reflects local usage realities, where electricity cost, dust, humidity, and long operating hours shape consumer expectations.
Features such as low-noise operation and multi-step energy control support comfort during prolonged use, particularly in dense urban settings.
Standard residential ACs do not bring in fresh air but recirculate indoor air, meaning ventilation requires additional system design.
This makes filtration, purification, and internal cleanliness important for maintaining indoor air quality.
Efficient usage depends on correct sizing, moderate temperature settings, and avoiding frequent on-off cycles. According to him, keeping temperatures around 25°C to 27°C, using curtains or blinds to reduce heat, and combining AC use with ceiling fans can improve efficiency.
Regular filter cleaning is essential, as a dirty filter increases power consumption and reduces cooling performance. Using Eco Mode, Sleep Mode, or timer functions and ensuring proper installation and servicing also help reduce electricity bills.
According to him, the market outlook remains strong, supported by rising temperatures, growing electricity access, and increasing demand for energy-efficient cooling. Consumers are gradually shifting towards smarter and more efficient systems, while local manufacturing continues to strengthen price competitiveness and accessibility.
He said the group is preparing for this growth by continuing to develop products that match evolving user expectations, particularly in energy efficiency, durability, and smarter control features, while leveraging local manufacturing advantages to remain competitive in the market.
The export potential of Minister ACs is also promising as Bangladesh’s manufacturing base strengthens.
“Maintaining product quality, compliance standards, and competitive pricing could open opportunities in price-sensitive international markets where demand for reliable and energy-efficient cooling solutions is growing,” said Sifat Ullah.
