For over three decades, Bangladesh has proudly served as one of the top exporters in the global readymade garment (RMG) industry. Our factories produce clothing for some of the biggest international brands. We’ve perfected the art of manufacturing with speed and precision. But the question remains—how long will we continue to be just a low-cost manufacturing hub?
Despite our massive success in volume, we have not yet moved up the value chain. We are producing millions of garments, but not under our own name. The labels carry foreign brands, foreign designs, and foreign marketing. Our contribution is hidden behind the scenes.
“Continuing on the same road guarantees the same destination. To reach a new destination, you have to build a new road.”
These powerful words, spoken by a respected advisor at the BIMSTEC Young Zen Forum, have been echoing in my mind. It perfectly captures the situation of Bangladesh’s RMG industry.
It is high time we stop expanding just production lines and start investing in brand creation, design, trend forecasting, and marketing. While some large groups continue to build more factories, the global game has shifted toward value addition through branding and innovation.
Why Not Us?
Look at brands like KFC or Coca-Cola, present in over 145 countries. They don’t manufacture everywhere—they brand, they market, and they sell. Why can’t we dream the same for Bangladesh?
We have the talent. We have the infrastructure. We have an internal market of over 220 million people. Our youth are tech-savvy, creative, and understand global fashion trends. Then why are our shopping malls still filled with foreign brands while our own designers remain in the shadows?
We Need a New Policy Vision
To make this shift, we need smart and supportive government policies:
- Allow dual operations: Let exporters manufacture for both export and the domestic market under clear regulations. Currently, bonded warehouse rules allow duty-free raw material imports for export only. Selling in the local market brings high tax burdens.
- Introduce a tax-stamp or legal channel for domestic sales, just as cigarette companies do—so that goods can be sold, tracked, and taxed without discouraging entrepreneurship.
- Give incentives to companies that successfully launch Bangladeshi brands globally—support in branding, exhibitions, digital marketing, and low-interest loans.
Our Domestic Market Is No Longer Small
With a population of over 22 crore (220 million), Bangladesh itself is a lucrative market. International brands have already noticed and are trying to capture this demand. If foreign brands can thrive here, why can’t we?
Our entrepreneurs should feel proud to design and produce for our own people first. Once a brand finds success at home, it becomes easier to export that identity abroad.
We Are Now a Mature Industry
Bangladesh’s garment sector is no longer in its infancy. We’ve matured. We know the processes, we understand compliance, we’ve overcome crises. This maturity gives us the confidence and capability to take the next big step: creating Bangladeshi fashion brands that the world recognizes.
The Role of the Next Generation
And this transformation will not be possible without the next generation—our students of textile engineering, our young designers, visionary factory owners, and even the workers who bring the products to life.
It may take time, but not too long. The seed is already planted. Now we must water it with vision, courage, and collective effort.
Conclusion: Think Beyond the Sewing Machine
I’m tired of seeing our country stuck in the same cycle—cheap labor, high volume, low value. If we don’t build our own brands now, we will remain dependent on others. We’ll be stuck as a sewing hub while others reap the profits of branding, innovation, and creativity.
We must think out of the box.
The global fashion world is evolving—and so must we. It’s time to dream bigger, act smarter, and step into the future with our own identity.
Let the next chapter of Bangladesh’s RMG not be just about manufacturing, but about building brands, telling stories, and leading the global fashion movement.
Md. Salauddin
Advisor,
Textiles & Garments Merchandise Blog
Founder, Bunon – Knowledge Sharing Platform
