In a quiet corner of many homes lies a machine once indispensable: a laptop, now gathering dust. Its keyboard bears scratches, the screen faint smudges, the battery no longer holds life. Once the tool for late-night assignments, work deadlines, or creative explorations, it now waits silently, almost forgotten. 

In Bangladesh, the usual fate for old computers and laptops has been the scrap yard. A minor fault or the end of its immediate usefulness often means it’s sold for a few hundred taka. 

Over time, people have come to accept that these devices have little value – but is that truly the case? Can a little attention transform them back into functional, valuable machines?

This question has sparked a renewed focus on reuse, sustainability, and the hidden potential of technology. In an era where e-waste is mounting globally, recycling and refurbishing old devices are increasingly recognised as eco-conscious solutions. 

Leading this charge in Bangladesh are Rasel Ahmed and M Ahsan Habib, whose initiative, ExchangeKori Limited, is redefining how old laptops are perceived and utilised.

Unlike a conventional resale platform, ExchangeKori assesses the real value of an old laptop and allows its owner to exchange it for a new or quality refurbished device. 

Rather than labelling a machine as obsolete, it is evaluated for usability and potential. Laptops once destined for disposal can now be repurposed, sometimes starting from as low as Tk10,000.

The beginning

ExchangeKori views old laptops differently. With trust as a cornerstone, it offers a 50-day replacement guarantee and five years of free service when old laptops or desktops are sold to them. 

Rasel explains, “The average lifespan of a laptop globally is 10 to 12 years. Even if a battery fails or minor issues arise, the device can remain functional for a decade.”

Officially launched in 2015, ExchangeKori’s roots trace back further. 

Rasel, previously involved in laptop distribution with Acer laptops, noticed a recurring problem: old devices lying unused in offices. Minor software or hardware issues often rendered them idle. 

This observation led to a critical question: why should usable technology be discarded?

In 2012, with just Tk50,000 in capital, Rasel founded SystemEye Technologies, initially supplying IT hardware to offices. The idea of facilitating a structured exchange for old laptops grew from here. 

By 2015, the “Swadhin Offer” programme allowed customers to exchange their old devices for a new laptop with warranty – a concept almost unheard of in the Bangladeshi market. 

Questions soon arose about the fate of the old devices. To address this, Rasel also started “DeviceMama” in the same year, refurbishing old laptops with warranties for resale. Initial concerns about trust proved unfounded – high-quality service and warranties rapidly built customer confidence.

How ExchangeKori works

ExchangeKori has developed a full circular system. From collecting old laptops to refurbishment, resale, and recycling, every stage of a device’s life cycle is carefully managed. The platform is designed to keep devices usable for as long as possible, preserving their value and promoting sustainability.

Technology plays a key role. Customers upload photos and specifications online, receiving a preliminary valuation. Once approved, they can visit a deal centre or opt for home service. 

Devices can be exchanged for newer models or refurbished laptops suited to various budgets, making technology more accessible for students, freelancers, and corporate users alike.

Rasel explains, “We consider processor generation, RAM, SSD, battery backup, and any damaged parts to determine the device’s value.” 

Even if the motherboard is faulty, other components may still hold value. ExchangeKori currently operates three deal centres in Dhaka – Tejgaon Link Road, Mirpur 12, and Dhanmondi – serving around 30,000–40,000 customers to date. Corporate clients include Runners Automobile Group, Sajida Foundation, and BRAC Kumon. Prices range from Tk10,000 to Tk60,000.

For instance, a customer may trade a laptop valued at Tk15,000 for one worth Tk40,000, paying only the difference. Deal centres regularly see students, freelancers, or families exploring options. 

Saurav Kumar Dutta, a student from Rajshahi University, says, “For students, ExchangeKori provides affordable access to quality laptops. It has eased financial pressure while supporting studies, research, and skill development.”

Trust beyond Dhaka

Online transactions often carry scepticism. To address this, ExchangeKori offers “Test Before Pay” services for customers outside Dhaka. 

Rasel says, “A customer from a distant district can test the laptop for 15-20 minutes upon delivery. Only then do they pay. This removes fear of faulty or fake devices.” 

About 40% of sales now happen online, with flexible returns if customers are unsatisfied.

Free service is another confidence booster. Old devices traded in receive five years of free maintenance. Only replacement parts are charged, keeping long-term costs low and alleviating fears of using refurbished laptops. 

Customers also enjoy a three-day return policy if the device doesn’t meet expectations. On average, 700–800 devices are dealt with monthly, covering both retail and corporate clients.

Looking ahead

The journey over the past decade has been far from easy, and Rasel naturally recalls the early challenges. “Our first major hurdle was accurately valuing old laptops,” he says. Early on, mistakes were common – laptops worth Tk8,000 were sometimes bought for Tk12,000.

Inventory management was another problem. Devices often degraded while in storage, and distinguishing which laptops could be refurbished and which should be salvaged for parts was initially unclear.

Gradually, they learned how to dismantle and categorise each device – separating plastics, boards, and metals for resale or recycling. Rasel adds that in the future, they plan to establish a large-scale recycling plant, enabling a more structured and sustainable approach to e-waste management.