Sparrow Group is a leading Bangladeshi apparel manufacturer known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable growth. The company serves globally renowned fashion brands with a diverse portfolio of knit and woven apparel, combining advanced manufacturing with design-driven product development. Through its dedicated Sparrow Design Studio, the group focuses on innovation, value-added products, and man-made fiber (MMF) capabilities to meet evolving global market demands. With a strong emphasis on operational excellence, responsible manufacturing, and customer satisfaction, Sparrow Group continues to strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a trusted and competitive sourcing destination in the global apparel industry.
In this exclusive interview with Textile Focus, Shovon Islam, Managing Director of Sparrow Group, shares his perspectives on Bangladesh’s apparel industry, export challenges, global sourcing trends, and the path to rebuilding Brand Bangladesh through innovation and diversification. A brief discussion is given below –
A Temporary Slowdown Amid Global Uncertainty
Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry is expected to conclude the fiscal year with approximately 4–5% negative export growth, following a year-to-date decline of around 3.5%. While this performance is disappointing, it must be viewed against the backdrop of an exceptionally turbulent year marked by geopolitical conflicts, uncertainty surrounding global trade policies, and domestic political transition. Despite these headwinds, I remain optimistic that through collective effort and strategic action, the industry can recover from this temporary slowdown.
The Bigger Challenge: Protecting Brand Bangladesh
My primary concern extends beyond declining export figures. What worries me most is that Brand Bangladesh, once regarded as one of the world’s most trusted apparel sourcing destinations, is gradually losing its strong global reputation. During the past eleven months, only two months recorded positive export growth, while the remaining months experienced continuous decline. More importantly, Bangladesh is rapidly losing market share in both the United States and Europe, our two largest export destinations. Countries such as Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia are increasingly capturing sourcing orders that traditionally came to Bangladesh.
Why Global Buyers Are Diversifying Their Orders
Several factors have contributed to this changing sourcing landscape. Uncertainty surrounding Bangladesh’s LDC graduation, combined with disruptions following the August political transition, including NBR strikes, port congestion, and labor unrest, created concerns among international buyers. As a result, leading global retailers including H&M, Gap, and Marks & Spencer have adopted risk mitigation strategies by diversifying their sourcing portfolios. At the same time, competing countries continue strengthening their competitiveness through trade agreements. Vietnam already benefits from a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, while India is moving toward finalizing its own FTA, providing buyers with greater confidence and long-term certainty.
Innovation and Product Diversification Must Lead the Way
Rather than viewing these developments negatively, we should treat them as a call to transform our industry. Bangladesh must accelerate product diversification, moving beyond basic, low-cost apparel into higher-value, design-driven products and expanding its capabilities in man-made fiber (MMF) manufacturing. From Sparrow Design Studio, I can confidently say that Bangladesh has the talent and technical capability to develop innovative products that meet evolving global fashion demands. Investing in design, research, product development, and innovation will be critical to strengthening our competitive advantage.
Strengthening Global Confidence Through Better Communication
Alongside industrial transformation, Bangladesh must communicate its strengths more effectively. International buyers need clear assurance regarding the country’s policy direction, the progress toward LDC graduation deferral, and the government’s continued support for business and exports. The recently announced national budget contains several positive measures for the garment sector, and these achievements should be actively promoted. I also believe BGMEA should organize a high-level international conference, bringing together CEOs of leading global brands and retailers alongside government leaders to directly showcase Bangladesh’s resilience, manufacturing excellence, and long-term commitment to global sourcing.
A United Vision for Sustainable Growth
Bangladesh possesses every ingredient required to remain one of the world’s leading apparel manufacturing hubs. We have a mature industry, skilled workforce, world-class factories, and growing innovation capabilities. The challenge lies in restoring buyer confidence and rebuilding our international brand image. If the government, industry associations, manufacturers, and exporters work together with a unified strategy, Bangladesh can once again establish itself as the world’s most preferred sourcing destination. I firmly believe that by strengthening our messaging, embracing innovation, and expanding value-added manufacturing, we can reverse the current export decline and secure sustainable growth for the years ahead.
