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Uniting for a Cause

Local leaders of Bangladesh’s burgeoning fashion industry expressed their concern at a recently held conference as they believe it is under threat as we often put ourselves into the trap of self-destruction. How? Look around you and notice the fashion that is bragged about being “foreign”. While international brands are being largely hyped in this country, there is minimal attention given to local brands and designers. Some stakeholders held a press conference on June 22, 2019, in desperate bid to build a community willing to make a change in our society, especially in the way the fashion industry works. is conference highlighted the need for imposing higher taxes on foreign goods and properly regulating the participation of foreign players in trade with Bangladesh. Covering the press conference, Colors’ Tunajina Islam has derived some insights into this pressing issue from the deliberations there.

Why we need to be highly concerned

Our fashion industry is still relatively new and on shaky grounds. Nevertheless, this sector was built from scratch through hard work and determination of some dedicated people. “We are not about to let foreign designers take that from us,” Rupo Shams told the press conference. “Although we are wholeheartedly welcoming of foreign attires, this is probably not the right time to invite them excessively at a high cost. Local businesses are being run down by illegal imports of clothes and materials through the frail rules and regulations imposed by the government,” she said adding, “We tend to bring this to the immediate attention of our government and NBR (National Board of Revenue).”

Sabera Anwar underlines the need for stopping the flight of capital to foreign countries due the regulatory dilemma. She insists that by supporting local designers the money could have been kept at home where it belongs to, making a huge impact on the national economy. But unfortunately, regrets Mehruz Munir, “We’ve been prone to some kind of social conditioning where we romanticize with foreign goods and overlook the tremendous talents and craftsmanship surfacing our country.” 

To put an end to such behavior, “we need to re-establish the Bengali name and remind everyone of creativity that lies here. Yes, Bangladesh lacks in certain areas and definitely needs to improve in the variety they offer, but this can only begin with the cooperation of our society and the government. Note that this change cannot be done single-handedly and requires a collective approach if we want to actually see results,” says a participant.

The role each of many can play

One word support was the urge! The stakeholders called for Support for local enterprises, for creating brand awareness through word of mouth, and acknowledging the initiatives being taken by local designers. “Much of our pride can be shown through fashion by making a name for Bangladesh’s unique ethnic wear. But with western and Indian wear taking over our televisions, Bangladeshi clothes are short of representation even through our own media. Observing our neighbouring countries, India and Pakistan, we can conclude that movies, music and culture is what propagates these fads. It’s high time we popularize Bangladesh’s heritage too through fashion icons and media. This will facilitate a watershed moment and in due course save our fashion industry!” says a member.

The  conference was hosted by Rupo Shams, the program was also addressed by Mehruz Munir, Nuzat Nawar, Sabah Khan, Sohana Syed, Sabera Anwar and Tamanna Ahmed.  Present as chief guest there was Tootli Rahman, designer and social activist.

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