Bangladesh’s leading diversified manufacturer DBL Group has begun construction of a new lingerie production unit at its Flamingo Fashions Limited facility, marking a strategic expansion into high-value intimate apparel as the country pushes to strengthen its position in the global garments market.
The groundbreaking ceremony, attended by Chairman Abdul Wahed, Managing Director M. A. Jabbar, Vice Chairman M. A. Rahim and Deputy Managing Director and Group CEO M. A. Quader (Anu), signals a significant milestone in the group’s long-term growth strategy focused on product diversification and advanced manufacturing.
The new unit will specialize in lingerie and intimate apparel, a segment that commands higher margins and demands greater technical precision than basic knitwear and woven garments. Industry insiders say the move reflects a broader shift among Bangladesh’s top apparel exporters to move up the value chain amid intensifying global competition and evolving buyer expectations.
DBL Group said the facility will incorporate advanced production technologies to meet growing international demand for intimate wear, particularly from North American and European markets. The company aims to combine automation, quality control systems and design capabilities to strengthen its competitiveness in a segment that requires both scale and sophistication.
Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest apparel exporter after China, has traditionally been known for mass-market garments such as T-shirts, trousers and sweaters. However, global brands are increasingly sourcing complex, value-added items from the country as manufacturers invest in skills development, compliance and sustainability. The expansion into lingerie manufacturing underscores that transition.
The new Flamingo Fashions unit is also being developed with sustainability at its core. According to company officials, the facility is engineered to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, reflecting DBL Group’s commitment to green manufacturing and reduced environmental impact. Bangladesh already hosts some of the world’s highest-rated green garment factories, and sustainability credentials have become a key factor in securing long-term partnerships with international retailers.
By integrating energy-efficient systems, responsible water management and environmentally conscious building materials, the project aligns with the group’s broader sustainability agenda. DBL Group has previously invested in renewable energy, wastewater treatment and resource-efficient technologies across its textile and apparel operations.
Executives at the ceremony described the investment as part of a forward-looking strategy designed to strengthen the company’s footprint in the global intimate apparel segment while contributing to Bangladesh’s export growth. The expansion is expected to generate new employment opportunities, supporting skilled and semi-skilled jobs in production, technical operations and management.
The garments and textile sector accounts for more than 80 percent of Bangladesh’s export earnings and employs millions of workers, the majority of whom are women. As global supply chains recalibrate following pandemic-related disruptions and geopolitical tensions, Bangladeshi manufacturers are seeking to diversify both product offerings and markets to maintain growth momentum.
Analysts say that investment in specialized segments such as lingerie can help manufacturers mitigate pricing pressures in basic apparel categories. Intimate apparel production often requires specialized machinery, technical know-how and stringent quality assurance processes, creating higher barriers to entry and potentially stronger buyer relationships.
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DBL Group, established in 1991, has grown into one of Bangladesh’s prominent industrial conglomerates with interests spanning textiles, apparel, ceramics, and pharmaceuticals. Its vertically integrated textile and garment operations supply a range of global brands and retailers.
The expansion at Flamingo Fashions Limited reflects DBL Group’s continued investment in infrastructure and innovation at a time when global demand patterns are shifting. While apparel exports from Bangladesh have shown resilience, manufacturers face rising costs related to energy, logistics and compliance, as well as increased scrutiny over sustainability and labor standards.
By focusing on high-value manufacturing and green production, DBL Group aims to position itself as a strategic partner for global brands seeking reliable, ethical and technologically advanced suppliers.
As construction begins on the new lingerie unit, industry observers will be watching closely to see how such investments contribute to Bangladesh’s broader ambition to move beyond volume-driven growth and solidify its standing in premium and specialized apparel categories.
