As Bangladesh’s apparel industry stands at a critical crossroads, industry leaders, manufacturers, buyers and sustainability experts gathered at the Interactive Business Forum (IBF) 2026 to discuss how the country can transform its global reputation from a manufacturing powerhouse into a globally recognized fashion and business brand.
Organized during the Intex Bangladesh 2026 in association with Fashion Business Journal, the forum was held under the theme ‘“From Factory Floor to Global Fashion Influence: Bridging the Branding Gap in Bangladesh.”
The event brought together distinguished speakers and panelists from across the textile and apparel value chain, generating insightful discussions on branding, innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, traceability, and future competitiveness.
The programme commenced with opening remarks from Rajesh Bhagat of Intex South Asia, who emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing platforms in strengthening South Asia’s textile and apparel ecosystem. He highlighted the role of industry dialogue in preparing businesses for a rapidly evolving global market.
Professor Dr. Sharif AS-Saber: Bridging Innovation and Creativity Through Branding
In his welcome address, Professor Dr. Sharif Nafe AS-Saber, Vice-Chancellor of Stamford University Bangladesh and Editor-in-Chief of Fashion Business Journal, reflected on the broader significance of fashion as a driver of economic growth, creativity, and national identity.
He explained that the vision behind Fashion Business Journal was rooted in the understanding that fashion extends far beyond textiles, garments, or footwear. Fashion influences how individuals present themselves, how societies express culture, and how industries create value. It intersects with lifestyle, media, entertainment, sports, business, and the broader global economy, making it one of the most dynamic and influential industries in the world.
Professor Sharif noted that fashion is often present in nearly every aspect of daily life, from cinema and drama to sports and professional environments, yet its broader economic and social impact is frequently underestimated. This understanding inspired the creation of Fashion Business Journal as a platform dedicated to exploring the business, innovation, and strategic dimensions of the fashion ecosystem.
Expressing his appreciation to Intex South Asia Bangladesh and the organizers, he said he was proud to see Fashion Business Journal collaborating on a platform that encourages meaningful dialogue about the future of Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector.
Linking the forum’s theme to the concept of branding, Professor Sharif drew an analogy between the analytical and creative dimensions of human thinking. He explained that innovation, strategy, technology, and operational excellence represent one side of progress, while creativity, emotion, communication, and storytelling represent the other. True brand value, he argued, is created when these two forces work together.
He emphasized that even the best products, strongest innovations, and most effective business strategies may fail to achieve their full market potential if they are not supported by strong branding and communication. In today’s competitive global environment, success depends not only on what companies produce but also on how effectively they communicate their value to customers and stakeholders.
Professor Sharif described the forum’s theme as highly relevant for Bangladesh’s apparel industry, noting that the country has already achieved remarkable success in manufacturing and exports. The next challenge, he suggested, is to create stronger synergy between innovation and creativity, production excellence and brand building, in order to enhance Bangladesh’s global position.
Concluding his remarks, he welcomed the distinguished panelists and participants and expressed hope that the discussions would generate fresh ideas, stronger collaboration, and practical strategies for advancing “Brand Bangladesh” in the global marketplace.
Bangladesh’s Greatest Strength May Be Its Best-Kept Secret
The keynote address and panel discussion were moderated by ABM Faqrul Alam, Head of Sustainability at Urmi Group, who framed the conversation around one central question: despite Bangladesh’s extraordinary achievements in apparel manufacturing and sustainability, why does the country still struggle to achieve global brand recognition?
In his keynote address, Faqrul Alam highlighted Bangladesh’s remarkable sustainability achievements, noting that the country is home to 284 LEED-certified green factories, including 52 of the world’s top 100 highest-scoring LEED-certified industrial facilities.
He pointed out that Bangladesh’s apparel exports reached approximately US$39.35 billion in FY2024-25, reflecting continued growth despite global economic challenges. Yet, while billions of garments are produced in Bangladesh each year, consumers across major markets often remain unaware of the country’s contribution to the global fashion industry.
Drawing on global industry trends, Alam argued that traditional competitive advantages such as low-cost sourcing and production scale are no longer sufficient to ensure future success. Increasingly, global value is being captured through branding, innovation, sustainability leadership, technology adoption, and consumer trust.
He also warned that Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and the eventual phase-out of preferential market access require a strategic shift toward value creation. Competing on price alone, he noted, will not be enough in the years ahead.
“Bangladesh has already built the factories. Now it must build the brand,” was a message that resonated throughout the forum.
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Industry Pioneers Reflect on the Journey and the Road Ahead
Md. Salauddin: Revisiting the Spirit of the Industry’s Founders
One of the most compelling moments of the discussion came from Md. Salauddin, Director of Reaz Garments Ltd., who took participants on a journey through Bangladesh’s apparel history.
Salauddin reflected on the pioneering role of Reaz Garments in shaping the country’s garment industry and emphasized that the concept of branding existed long before Bangladesh emerged as a global apparel exporter.
He shared a remarkable historical account, noting that Reaz Garments was among the earliest apparel brands in the region. In 1969, three Reaz shirts manufactured in then East Pakistan were presented to three astronauts visiting Dhaka, demonstrating that Bangladeshi-made apparel had already begun earning international recognition decades before the industry’s export boom.
He further highlighted that Bangladesh’s formal garment export journey began with the export of Reaz Shirts to France in 1978, marking a milestone in the country’s industrial development.
Paying tribute to industry pioneer Nurul Kader, Salauddin described how the landmark collaboration between Desh Garments and Daewoo introduced technology transfer, management expertise, marketing support, and international business practices that transformed Bangladesh’s manufacturing capabilities.
He also emphasized that the industry’s growth was made possible by visionary policy support, including the introduction of Back-to-Back Letter of Credit (BBLC) facilities and Bonded Warehouse mechanisms, both of which remain essential pillars of the export-oriented apparel sector.
According to Salauddin, today’s industry leaders have a responsibility similar to that of the pioneers who built the sector. While the first generation focused on establishing factories and creating export opportunities, the current generation must focus on branding, innovation, design, technology, and policy engagement.
He stressed that Bangladesh now requires a comprehensive long-term roadmap covering sustainability, skills development, market diversification, digital transformation, branding, and value addition. The country’s next chapter, he argued, will depend on whether industry leaders can once again work collectively with policymakers to create the conditions for future growth.
Hasin Arman: Building Brand Bangladesh Through Collaboration
Hasin Arman, Director of MB Knit Ltd., First Vice President and Founding Treasurer of BAYLA (Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Association), emphasized that while Bangladesh has earned global recognition as a leading apparel manufacturing hub, the industry’s next phase of growth must be driven by creativity, innovation, sustainability, and product development.
Speaking from the perspective of the younger generation of industry leaders, he highlighted BAYLA’s ongoing efforts to create platforms that promote knowledge-sharing, ESG awareness, sustainability, and industry collaboration. He noted that BAYLA has been working with international development partners, including organizations from the Netherlands, and academic institutions to advance circular economy initiatives within Bangladesh’s apparel sector. Through seminars, dialogues, and collaborative projects, the organization aims to prepare future leaders for a rapidly changing global business environment.
Hasin argued that Bangladesh can no longer rely solely on its reputation for competitive pricing and manufacturing efficiency. Drawing a comparison with China’s automotive industry, he observed that Chinese manufacturers initially entered global markets by producing lower-cost alternatives but later transformed themselves through investments in research and development, product engineering, innovation, and brand building. As a result, they are now competing successfully at the highest levels of the global market.
He suggested that Bangladesh’s apparel sector must pursue a similar transformation. For decades, manufacturers have largely focused on producing according to buyers’ specifications. Going forward, companies need to invest in product development, design capabilities, creative studios, trend forecasting, and innovation centers that enable them to contribute ideas rather than simply execute orders.
According to Hasin, factories that develop stronger design and innovation capabilities can establish distinct identities and create greater value for global customers. However, he stressed that such a transformation cannot be achieved by individual companies alone. It requires coordinated action among manufacturers, industry associations, educational institutions, development partners, and policymakers.
He also noted that Bangladesh has often demonstrated an ability to respond effectively during periods of crisis. The industry’s remarkable progress in workplace safety, compliance, and sustainability following the Rana Plaza tragedy serves as evidence of how quickly meaningful change can occur when stakeholders work together. The challenge now, he said, is to become proactive rather than reactive—anticipating future market expectations and investing in sustainability, ESG performance, circularity, innovation, and branding before external pressures demand it.
Hasin expressed confidence in the country’s second- and third-generation entrepreneurs, describing them as capable, globally connected, and increasingly aware of emerging market trends. With the right policy support, infrastructure, and collaborative ecosystem, he believes Bangladesh has the potential to evolve from a manufacturing-led economy into an innovation-driven apparel powerhouse capable of strengthening the global reputation of “Brand Bangladesh.”
Indrapal Singh Rawat: Technology, Measurement, and Human Capital Will Define the Future
Offering a regional perspective, Indrapal Singh Rawat, Vice President of Norpknit Industries Ltd., praised Bangladesh’s extraordinary progress over the past two decades, describing the country as one of the most important textile and apparel sourcing destinations in the world.
Drawing on his long experience working across South Asia’s textile industry, Rawat noted that Bangladesh has achieved impressive growth not only in export volume but also in quality, productivity, sustainability, compliance, and manufacturing capability. Today, the country enjoys a strong reputation among global buyers and has established itself as a key player in international apparel supply chains.
However, he cautioned that the traditional model of competing primarily through low-cost, high-volume manufacturing is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
Quoting a well-known management principle, Rawat remarked that “what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow.” He argued that future competitiveness will depend on continuous investment in innovation, technology, productivity enhancement, and value addition.
According to him, Bangladesh must shift its focus from volume-driven growth toward higher-value products and services. Countries such as Vietnam have successfully strengthened their competitive position through investments in technology, product diversification, advanced manufacturing, and innovation. Bangladesh, he said, must pursue a similar path while leveraging its own strengths.
Rawat identified technology adoption as one of the most important priorities for the industry. Investments in automation, digital manufacturing systems, advanced machinery, process optimization, man-made fibre capabilities, and innovative materials will be essential for maintaining competitiveness in global markets.
At the same time, he emphasized the importance of sustainability-driven operational excellence. Rising energy costs, increasing environmental expectations, and growing regulatory requirements make resource efficiency more important than ever. Factories must continuously improve water management, energy efficiency, waste reduction, renewable energy utilization, and overall environmental performance.
A central theme of his remarks was the importance of measurement and data management.
“You cannot improve what you do not measure,” he emphasized.
Rawat argued that many opportunities for improvement remain untapped because organizations often lack reliable systems for tracking performance indicators. Whether measuring energy consumption, water use, productivity, quality, or sustainability performance, data provides the foundation for informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
He further highlighted digitalization as a critical enabler of competitiveness. Beyond technology investments themselves, digital systems help organizations monitor operations more effectively, identify inefficiencies, reduce costs, improve productivity, and strengthen transparency across the supply chain.
Human capital development was another area he identified as essential for future success. While Bangladesh’s young workforce remains one of its greatest competitive advantages, he believes stronger collaboration between industry and academia is needed to equip future professionals with the skills required in a modern textile and apparel sector.
Universities and technical institutions, he suggested, should place greater emphasis on sustainability, resource management, digital technologies, productivity improvement, industrial engineering, and innovation management. Preparing future leaders with these competencies will be crucial as the industry continues to evolve.
Concluding his remarks, Rawat expressed confidence that Bangladesh already possesses many of the ingredients necessary to become an even stronger global brand. With its manufacturing scale, sustainability achievements, entrepreneurial energy, and youthful workforce, the country is well positioned for continued growth. The next challenge, he said, is to accelerate investment in technology, skills, innovation, and measurement systems so that Bangladesh can compete not only on volume, but on value, efficiency, and leadership in the global apparel industry.
Abdullah Al Mamun: The New Rules of Global Sourcing
Providing insights from a global buyer’s perspective, Abdullah Al Mamun, Business Unit Manager at Marks & Spencer, explained how sourcing priorities have evolved significantly in recent years.
According to him, purchasing decisions today extend far beyond pricing and manufacturing capacity. Global brands increasingly evaluate suppliers based on their ability to contribute to product development, material innovation, speed to market, flexible capacity management, and supply chain resilience.
He highlighted the growing importance of multi-source raw material networks, traceability beyond Tier-1 suppliers, regulatory alignment, demand forecasting, production planning, and lead-time optimization through digital tools.
Mamun noted that product re-engineering and margin optimization have become strategic priorities for global retailers seeking efficiency without compromising quality or sustainability.
Looking ahead, he identified several areas where Bangladesh must act urgently, including man-made fibre (MMF) production, technical apparel, performance wear, product diversification, end-to-end digitalization, talent development, and enhanced global exposure.
He emphasized that future competitiveness will depend on Bangladesh’s ability to move beyond traditional manufacturing strengths and establish itself as a source of innovation, agility, and value creation.
Shahana Akter Kiron: Traceability as a Branding Tool
Delivering one of the forum’s most forward-looking presentations, Shahana Akter Kiron, Regional Lead at TextileGenesis™, highlighted the growing relationship between branding, transparency, and digital traceability.
According to Kiron, successful branding today depends not only on marketing and communication but also on the ability to generate trust through credible, verifiable information.
She explained that consumer expectations have evolved significantly over the past decade. Industry initiatives such as Higg and SLCP reflected growing demand for transparency and independent verification, and future expectations will only intensify as sustainability regulations become more stringent.
Kiron noted that the European Union’s upcoming Digital Product Passport (DPP) requirements are expected to fundamentally reshape how products are tracked and verified across global supply chains.
She explained that TextileGenesis works with more than 90 percent of major sustainability and certification bodies to verify certified materials, transaction certificates, shipment data, and supply chain records. Through AI-powered verification systems and advanced digital tools, the platform helps reduce material inflation, prevent data manipulation, and improve transparency throughout the value chain.
She further explained that the platform integrates with major sustainability frameworks, Digital Product Passport solutions, and Life Cycle Assessment tools, creating a robust ecosystem for traceability and sustainability reporting.
According to Kiron, consumers increasingly want to know how products are made, where materials originate, and whether sustainability claims can be verified. This shift creates a powerful opportunity for Bangladesh.
She argued that digital traceability can become a strategic branding tool by enabling manufacturers, brands, and even countries to demonstrate their sustainability achievements through trusted data. In her view, platforms such as TextileGenesis can play a significant role in helping bridge the branding gap by providing transparent, authenticated information that strengthens confidence in “Made in Bangladesh.”
Kyaw Sein Thay Dolly: From Manufacturing Hub to Value Creator
Closing the panel discussion, Kyaw Sein Thay Dolly, Managing Director of Cloths ‘R’ Us Ltd., delivered a powerful message about Bangladesh’s future position in the global value chain.
Dolly argued that moving up the global value chain requires far more than increasing export volumes. While Bangladesh has established itself as one of the world’s largest apparel manufacturing destinations, future success depends on becoming a recognized source of innovation, design, technology, sustainability, branding, and value creation.
She emphasized that building “Brand Bangladesh” cannot be the responsibility of BGMEA, BKMEA, or any single organization alone. Instead, it requires a coordinated national effort involving industry associations, government agencies, policymakers, academic institutions, manufacturers, exporters, global brands, buying offices, media organizations, entrepreneurs, and emerging business leaders.
According to Dolly, Bangladesh has already demonstrated remarkable resilience through economic disruptions, global crises, and supply chain challenges. The next step is to transform that resilience into higher-value products, stronger brands, greater innovation, and sustainable competitiveness.
“The future belongs to nations that create value—not just volume,” was the central message of her remarks.
She called upon industry forums, trade associations, policymakers, academia, and media platforms to work together in championing a shared national vision for Brand Bangladesh.
Her remarks served as a fitting conclusion to a discussion that repeatedly highlighted collaboration as the key ingredient for future success.
Akhi Akter: Media as a Catalyst for Building Brand Bangladesh
The session concluded with a crest presentation ceremony honoring the moderator and panelists, followed by closing remarks from Akhi Akter, Editor of Fashion Business Journal, who thanked the speakers, participants, and partners for contributing to a meaningful and forward-looking discussion.
In her closing remarks, Akhi Akter, Editor of Fashion Business Journal, emphasized the critical role of media in shaping industries, influencing perceptions, and building national brands. She noted that while Bangladesh’s apparel sector has earned global recognition for its manufacturing capabilities, there remains a significant opportunity to elevate the country’s image through strategic storytelling, industry advocacy, and knowledge sharing.
Akhi highlighted Fashion Business Journal’s commitment to serving as a platform that connects industry stakeholders, policymakers, academia, brands, and global audiences. Through quality journalism, thought leadership, market intelligence, and industry analysis, she said, the publication aims to showcase Bangladesh’s achievements in sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsible manufacturing to the international community.
She stressed that strengthening the image of “Made in Bangladesh” requires more than commercial success—it requires consistent communication of the country’s strengths, values, and transformation journey. Media, she argued, has an important responsibility in ensuring that Bangladesh is recognized not only as a trusted manufacturing hub but also as an emerging center of fashion, innovation, technology, and value creation.
Reflecting on the day’s discussions, Akhi expressed hope that the ideas shared during the Interactive Business Forum 2026 would inspire new collaborations, strategic partnerships, and collective action across the industry. She encouraged stakeholders to continue engaging in meaningful dialogue and work together to accelerate Bangladesh’s journey toward becoming a globally respected fashion destination.
Concluding her remarks, she called on industry leaders to transform Bangladesh’s manufacturing strength into brand strength, production excellence into global influence, and the country’s many success stories into a powerful international identity that resonates with consumers and businesses around the world.