Bangladesh, a global powerhouse in apparel manufacturing, is increasingly urged to shift its focus from contract manufacturing to establishing its own globally recognized brands. Industry experts and economists argue that building indigenous brands would significantly enhance the nation's value proposition, moving beyond mere production to design, marketing, and retail. This strategic shift is seen as crucial for securing higher profit margins and mitigating the risks associated with reliance on foreign buyers. Recent discussions have highlighted the need for investments in design innovation, quality control, and robust marketing strategies to cultivate a distinct Bangladeshi brand identity. Furthermore, the development of sustainable and ethical production practices is emphasized as a key differentiator in the competitive global market. Initiatives aimed at fostering local talent in design and entrepreneurship are gaining traction, with calls for government support and private sector collaboration to propel Bangladesh towards becoming a creator, not just a producer, of world-class apparel.

For over 35 years, Bangladesh has built a robust garment manufacturing sector, demonstrating proficiency in producing both low and, to a lesser extent, high-value apparel for international brands. Despite this extensive experience and resource availability, the industry remains largely focused on contract manufacturing, primarily stitching garments for others. This raises a critical question: given our established capabilities, why hasn't Bangladesh cultivated its own globally recognized apparel brands? By primarily operating as a production hub, we capture only a fraction of the value chain, while the lion's share of profits goes to the brand owners. This begs the question of when, and how, Bangladesh will move beyond simple manufacturing and claim its rightful place in the global apparel market with its own brands.

In 2024, Bangladesh's apparel exports reached $38.48 billion, as reported by the BGMEA, signaling significant growth but falling short of the ambitious $50 billion target. However, the $1.84 trillion global apparel market presents substantial opportunities for further expansion. The crucial challenge lies in capturing higher value within this market; without establishing our own brands and leveraging the premium pricing they command; Bangladesh will struggle to fully capitalize on these opportunities. While brand development is a costly endeavor, several financially robust RMG companies possess the capacity to undertake this venture. Alternatively, to mitigate risk and pool resources, a consortium spearheaded by the BGMEA could be formed to create and nurture a prominent Bangladeshi apparel brand, enabling collective participation in this vital strategic shift.