Maria B opens first Bangladesh outlet, becoming country's first international women's fashion brand

Pakistani fashion label Maria B has entered the Bangladeshi market with the opening of its first outlet in Dhaka this week, becoming the first international women's clothing brand to establish a physical retail presence in the country.

According to an Arab News report, the launch is significant for Bangladesh - the world's second-largest apparel exporter after China - which manufactures garments for global brands such as H&M, Zara and Uniqlo but has long lacked official foreign fashion retailers despite widespread local demand.

Although products of major international brands are widely available in Bangladesh, they are mostly sold as factory leftovers or through informal channels, with no official flagship stores operating in the country.

The opening of the Maria B outlet marks the first entry of a high-end foreign women's fashion house into Bangladesh's retail market. The only other foreign apparel brand with an outlet in the country is J., a family-oriented Pakistani clothing label founded by late singer-turned-entrepreneur Junaid Jamshed.

"It's appreciable that a brand like Maria B recognised the growing market and consumer base in Bangladesh. The presence of international brands like this will also enhance the image of our local fashion market," said Shahrukh Amin, fashion designer and Bangladeshi clothing brand owner.

"Fashion has become something global. We can see trends from all over the world with a mobile phone in hand."

Amin added that the Pakistani designer's outlet had already created a "buzz" among Bangladeshi fashion enthusiasts.

"She has an individual style that is not found in the works of many other designers," he said.

"Until her launching in Dhaka, Bangladeshi fashion lovers would purchase her dresses from Dubai, London, the US, or online preorders."

Industry leaders view the development as a positive signal for Bangladesh's fashion ecosystem, which has largely been dominated by low-cost manufacturing for fast-fashion European brands.

"We are living in a global city and want a global environment here," said Maheen Khan, president of the Fashion Design Council of Bangladesh. "A famous Pakistani brand launching its operations in Dhaka is a positive development."

The move is also seen as an indicator that Bangladesh's apparel market could gradually evolve beyond mass manufacturing and attract global retail investment.

"It's a big thing because in most cases international brands don't show much interest in coming here to Bangladesh. Even the international food chains are also not very interested in coming," said Azra Mahmood, a model and prominent figure in Bangladesh's fashion industry.

"The fashion industry is also a business. From that point of view, I consider it very positive that an international brand like Maria B launched its outlet in Dhaka. The more international brands come here, the better for our fashion industry."