Local fashion houses are targeting an impressive Tk 1,500 crore in sales revenue across the country centering the festivities around Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, reports UNB. The Fashion Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (FEAB) revealed their ambitious target at Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) yesterday. FEAB president Azharul Haque Azad said the local fashion houses are ready to go for ‘mega sales’ like previous years, as the festival is approaching. This year, sales may even be bumped up by implementation of the first-ever Baishakh bonus for public servants.
Azad announced a Baishakhi fashion show at Shilpakala Academy on April 9 to promote their fashion products, and no doubt looking to add to the hype and festivity of the season.
FEAB expect to have Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor present at their industry extravaganza as chief guest. FBCCI President Abdul Matlub will also be present, it was announced.
Local popular fashion houses like Anjan’s, Deshal, Nipun, AB Fashion Maker, M Craft, Bibiyana, Kay Kraft, Rang, Sada-Kalo, Tangail Sharee Kutir and Miya Bibi will take part in the fashion show, said Azad.
The FEAB president said the local fashion industry has been facing various problems due to ‘invasion’ of foreign retailers. Many local fashion houses have already been forced to wrap up their business in the last couple of years.
Favourable policy support from the government is ‘a must’, Azad said, to explore the potential of local fashion products.