Founded in 1986 with a modest three-line factory in Mirpur, Babylon Group has grown into one of Bangladesh’s most respected and forward-thinking apparel manufacturers. Over the decades, the company has earned a reputation for its uncompromising commitment to quality, ethical practices, and innovation in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
What began as a small-scale operation has now transformed into a diversified group with expertise across men’s, women’s, and children’s wear, offering high-value-added products to leading global retailers. With an emphasis on sustainability, supply chain efficiency, and technological adaptability, Babylon Group continues to set benchmarks in an increasingly competitive industry. More than just a manufacturer, Babylon Group positions itself as a partner in progress, anticipating global market shifts, investing in long-term strategies, and preparing for the future of fashion. This visionary approach has kept the organization resilient through challenges while strengthening its role as a trusted name in Bangladesh’s RMG landscape.
Arif Bhuiyan, Group CEO of Babylon Group, shared his valuable insights in an exclusive discussion with Textile Focus at his premises. During the conversation, he emphasized the ongoing transformation of the Ready-Made Garment (RMG) industry and shed light on the current challenges it is facing. His perspectives reflected both the opportunities for sustainable growth and the pressing issues that require strategic attention for the industry’s future development. A brief discussion is given below for our respective readers.
Textile Focus: You have working experience for over three decades. How do you view the current transformation and overall situation of the apparel industry?
Arif Bhuiyan: I have spent more than 20 years nearly 60% of my career working in the textile and garments sector. The Rana Plaza tragedy, though unfortunate, accelerated a significant physical transformation within our industry. At the same time, I believe our distribution network has expanded greatly, yet local companies still have limited control over it. As a result, we continue to lose a certain share of value.
During my time at this company, which spans more than four years, I have observed notable shifts in production trends. Previously, the factory was heavily focused on manufacturing shirts. Today, however, there is a greater emphasis on women’s apparel, along with children’s clothing both of which carry much higher value addition.
Textile Focus: The apparel sector has been navigating multiple challenges and transformations, with U.S. tariffs now reaching 20%. Do you think this will impact order volumes for Bangladesh?
Arif Bhuiyan: Tariffs have many dimensions, and one of the most critical is the supply chain. When tariffs rise, consumers tend to reduce their spending on garments compared to before. According to The Economist, declining consumption ultimately results in reduced overall demand.
I believe that after China, Bangladesh will remain a strong sourcing destination for international buyers. Even if U.S. consumption slows, our current export volumes are likely to increase further. Moreover, I foresee supply chains shifting more significantly toward Bangladesh in the coming years.
Textile Focus: Production costs in Bangladesh are rising steadily, yet buyers continue to push prices downward. In this scenario, where should factories focus their efforts?
Arif Bhuiyan: If we look at the past five years, inflation has led to a consistent downward trend in returns. To reverse this, the key factors will be supplying chain management and global demand, along with Bangladesh’s ability to position itself strategically in the global market. If geopolitical developments drive more orders our way, we will have opportunities to optimize demand. At the same time, investing in technological adaptability will allow us to reduce costs significantly and strengthen competitiveness.
Textile Focus: Finally, what makes Babylon Group different from others, and where does your expertise lie?
Arif Bhuiyan: Babylon Group has a long legacy in the apparel export industry, beginning in 1986 with a three-line factory in Mirpur. From the very start, we have maintained an uncompromising focus on quality a principle that remains unchanged to this day. What sets us apart is our long-term vision. As early as 2014, we began carefully planning how Babylon Group would operate in the future. Today, we are advancing steadily along that path, ensuring that our organization remains resilient, forward-thinking, and prepared for the challenges ahead.
