Despite the recent political unrest in Bangladesh, which was centred on the quota reform movement that ultimately led to the overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina-led administration, certain international fashion brands have expanded their sourcing from Bangladesh.
Industry insiders claim that because exporters kept in touch with companies and went above and beyond throughout the political unrest since mid-July to satisfy export deadlines, brands from Europe, America, and East Asian nations upped their orders.
They are upbeat that Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus’s appointment to head of the interim administration has improved Bangladesh’s reputation.
Companies like US Polo, Gap, and Express are just a few of the well-known names that are boosting their sourcing from Bangladesh; however, a newcomer is the Korean brand BYC.
Talking with the local media, Giant Group Managing Director Faruque Hassan said that US Polo is the largest buyer from his company and has already increased orders beyond their expectations. The total orders from US Polo occupied about 40 per cent of their capacity, he said.
He said during the internet blackout imposed by the ousted regime in July, he sent top officials of his company to the US Polo office to explain the situation prevailing in Bangladesh at that time. The visit helped retain the buyer’s confidence and win more orders, he explained.
Another leading exporter Shovon Islam, managing director of Sparrow Group, said three US buyers have already increased their orders.
US Polo and Gap are regular buyers and another US buyer Express has also increased its sourcing, he said.
Md Sharafat Hussain Sohail, senior manager (merchandising) at Masco Group, got an inquiry from a top Korean brand willing to source from Bangladesh for the first time.
“A team on behalf of that buyer has booked a schedule to visit our office this week,” he added.
Due to disruptions brought on by the recent upheaval, the majority of other reputable brands and purchasers, like G-Star Raw, M&S, H&M, and Inditex, are not charging penalties for delayed delivery.
According to Bloomberg, the Swedish retailer H&M AB informed its Bangladeshi suppliers that it would not pursue reductions because of potential delays resulting from factories being closed due to fatal protests.
