Mostafiz Uddin is a man who needs no introduction in Bangladesh – he is the founder of numerous garment industry events such as the Bangladesh Denim Expo and a driving force in promoting Bangladesh’s achievements in ready-made garments (RMG). make. Now Uddin is going beyond borders with a cross-country program called Best of Bangladesh (BoB) Europe. The event, which aims to showcase Bangladeshi success stories to international buyers, brands and retailers, will take place in Amsterdam from September 4th to 6th. FashionUnited spoke to Uddin ahead of the event.
What made you decide to organize an event outside of Bangladesh?
The tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza building has cast a negative light on Bangladesh’s garment industry. After the incident, I campaigned for their sustainable development. In 2014 I started organizing the Bangladesh Denim Expo which has become a major event in the global denim calendar. In 2017, I launched Sustainable Apparel with my organization Bangladesh Apparel Exchange to accelerate the momentum of sustainability in Bangladesh’s apparel industry. In 2018 I launched the Bangladesh Fashionology Summit to encourage innovation. Last year we organized Made in Bangladesh Week in Dhaka.
So it was time to broaden our horizons and sharpen our focus. While the apparel industry remains a mainstay of our country’s economy, we recognized the need to showcase the depth and breadth of Bangladesh’s potential in various emerging sectors. The upcoming Best of Bangladesh Europe event is a testament to this broader vision. We are determined to establish Bangladesh not only as a sourcing country but also as a hub for innovation and excellence.
This event is strategically designed to change perceptions in Europe and beyond, paving the way for the growth and recognition our industry deserves. Best of Bangladesh is not just an exhibition; it’s about highlighting our culture, our tradition and the iron will of our people.
For me personally, this mission is closely linked to my goal in life. This endeavor is not just about organizing events, but about contributing to the progress of our country.
What can BoB visitors expect and how many of them do you expect?
Visitors to Best of Bangladesh will have the exclusive opportunity to discover the best Bangladeshi companies under one roof, as well as a wide range of sustainable products and breakthrough innovations. Our exhibitors are ready to engage with potential partners and address the specific needs of companies, with safety and sustainability at the forefront at every step.
Best of Bangladesh has been carefully designed to provide a diverse and enriching experience, making it an exceptional platform for business and cultural exchange.
With a strong presence of respected policy makers from both the EU and Bangladesh, as well as international media, the event will be a hub for networking and forging meaningful connections.
The event features a remarkable program including 40+ exhibitors, 6 panel discussions, 45+ distinguished national and international speakers, the Bangladesh Innovation Runway (see below) and exclusive visits to the Fashion for Good Museum and Renewcell factory in Sweden . Each facet is designed to showcase the latest industry trends, designs and sustainable practices that have propelled Bangladesh’s industry to the forefront of the world. Throughout the event, our branding aims to promote and shine the spotlight on Bangladesh’s remarkable journey and progress.
We expect over 1000 participants including prominent brands, retailers, innovators, development organizations and others. This impressive event will also be attended by high-level officials from government agencies, Ministers from Bangladesh and esteemed participants from across Europe, as well as our 40+ partner organisations.
Can you tell us a little bit about what we can expect in terms of exhibitors and speakers?
In any case. The range of exhibitors and speakers at the Best of Bangladesh has been carefully put together and reflects the country’s complex growth path in various sectors.
Hailing from sectors as diverse as apparel, textiles, crafts, agri-food, FMCG, technology, digital and more, our exhibitors embody the dynamism of Bangladesh’s economy. Their presence represents a shift that goes beyond traditional production, demonstrating how innovation and sustainable practices drive our country’s progress.
Presenters will address a spectrum of issues critical to the progress of our country. In panel discussions on topics such as “Bangladesh – Perspectives from an Emerging Economy”, experts will provide insights into our growth course and our future prospects. “Sustainable Sourcing Realities” addresses the development of responsible practices, while “Empowering the Future” highlights our commitment to the well-being of the workforce that powers our industry.
The event will also highlight avenues for global collaboration, with seminars such as Bangladesh Agro-Food: A Next Opportunity for Collaboration and Impact Investing – The Next Frontier. These discussions underscore Bangladesh’s willingness to engage in innovative partnerships for holistic growth.
And in a particularly timely panel discussion, “Sustainable Synergy: Circular Economy, Climate Action & Bangladesh’s Future”, the main focus will be on how Bangladesh is aligning its future with sustainability and climate protection. It ties closely with our forthcoming Bangladesh Climate Action Forum, which seeks to bring these discussions to a broader platform.
Essentially, our exhibitors and speakers reflect the essence of Best of Bangladesh: a platform where emerging industries and innovative ideas come together to shape Bangladesh’s path to a sustainable and impactful future.
[Anm. d. Red.: Jan Peter Balkenende, Staatsminister und ehemaliger Premierminister der Niederlande; Tipu Munshi, MP, Handelsminister von Bangladesch; Pallak Seth, Gründer, PDS Limited; Alexander Kohnstamm, geschäftsführender Direktor, Fairwear Foundation; Ashish Damle, Landesdirektor, Oxfam in Bangladesch; Joris Oldenziel, Exekutivdirektor, International Accord; Peter McAllister, Exekutivdirektor, Ethical Trading Initiative, Bob Assenberg, Fund Director, Good Fashion Fund und andere wurden laut einer Pressemitteilung als Vortragende bestätigt.]
Could you tell us a little more about the Bangladesh Innovation Runway?
The first ever Bangladesh Innovation Runway will be held in Amsterdam on September 4th as part of BoF and will be presented by Pacific Jeans. It will showcase the emerging revolution in Bangladesh’s industry led by innovation and showcase related innovative, high-quality products ‘Made in Bangladesh’.
And that is also the aim of the Bangladesh Innovation Runway – to redefine “Made in Bangladesh” as a label for products with high added value. By organizing the Innovation Runway in the heart of Europe, we want to show the western audience the ability of the apparel industry in Bangladesh to produce sustainable and innovative products.
And the immersive experience “InnovateXchange”?
InnovateXchange is an exclusive immersive journey curated for Best of Bangladesh exhibitors. Our goal is to promote cross-cultural learning and inspire change in Bangladeshi businesses. On these immersive journeys, exhibitors will engage with the industry’s pioneers, see state-of-the-art facilities, see the immense potential of the circular economy, and explore practices that are driving European success through sustainability.
One of the highlights of InnovateXchange is the exclusive tour of the Renewcell factory in Sweden, giving exhibitors an unprecedented insight into the future of sustainability in the fashion industry as they enter the world’s first industrial textile recycling facility. Another engaging tour awaits them at the Fashion for Good Museum to broaden their horizons in sustainability and innovation.
Aside from panel discussions on the topic, how will sustainability be featured at the event?
Sustainability is not just a box to tick on the events program, it is a commitment that underscores the existence of Best of Bangladesh. From the decorations to the gala dinner, sustainability is incorporated throughout the event.
The exhibitors themselves are advocates of sustainability and trendsetters in Bangladesh in the field of sustainable production. The products they exhibit on their stands are made in a sustainable way.
Walking down the Bangladesh Innovation Runway, every product presented speaks of a greener, more responsible future. Our InnovateXchange is not just a visit, but a journey into the heart of the circular economy, where sustainability is not a buzzword but a way of life.
With dates already announced for 2024, can we expect BoB Europe to become an annual event?
Absolutely, the Best of Bangladesh is fast becoming an annual global phenomenon. We have already announced the date for the next edition, which will take place on September 11th and 12th, 2024 in Amsterdam. From Europe to the US and beyond, it will continue to spark waves of transformation and responsible business.
Our platform aims to be a canvas for innovation, a stage for collaboration and a powerful catalyst for change. With every year that passes, we will shape not just an event, but the history of our country. This event will be more than a meeting; it will symbolize Bangladesh’s journey of progress and connect the world to the remarkable stories of our industry and culture.
This interview was conducted in writing.