From Narayanganj to 37 countries, Bangladesh stitches its way into global bridal market
According to Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority data, the EPZ currently employs 76,027 people and has attracted $847.03 million in investment.
High-value wedding gowns and related bridal wear are being made by Bangladeshi workers at a factory in Narayanganj's Adamjee Export Processing Zone, with the products being exported to markets across Europe and the US.
UBF Bridal Ltd, a German-invested company, has been manufacturing bridal attire at the EPZ since April 2022. The factory produces wedding gowns in different designs, exclusive accessories, satin and lace dresses, veils, petticoats, suits, jackets, boleros and jewellery.
The company invested nearly $10 million to start operations and currently employs 357 workers. It exported products worth $5.27 million in FY26 and has set a target of $8-9 million in exports in the current fiscal year.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Its products are initially sent to Germany and then distributed to around 37 countries, including markets in Europe, the US, Brazil and South Africa. The products retain their "Made in Bangladesh" identity throughout the distribution process.
The bridal dresses are sold in international markets for around $400, $500 and, in some cases, $1,000. Most bridal dresses made in Bangladesh, however, fall within the $400-$500 price range.
Md Robiul Hoque Siddiki, chief operating officer of UBF Bridal, told TBS that the company initially faced a shortage of workers and managers with experience in producing specialised bridal wear.
"We had to train the workers and managers ourselves," he said.
"When we started operations in Bangladesh, there were very few people with experience in making specialised bridal garments. It was also difficult to find experienced managers. So, initially, we trained them ourselves," he said.
A bridal gown is produced in several stages. The bodice, corset, skirt and train are made separately before being assembled. Intricate lace, flowers and other embellishments are then carefully sewn onto the fabric.
During a recent visit to the factory, workers were seen sewing fabrics on machines, attaching lace and decorations, inspecting finished garments and packaging products for export.
The factory houses on a five-storey building and started its journey with one production line and now has eight. The company plans to increase the number to between 10 and 13 lines, with around 23 operators working on each line.
Due to high demand for bridal products, the authorities are planning to expand the factory and invest $6 more million by next two years.
Robiul said the company provides specialised training because the fabrics used in bridal wear are much more delicate than those used in conventional garments.
"The fabrics are very soft, including lining and organza, and they have to be handled carefully. A new worker is therefore not sent directly to the production line. They usually receive around three months of training first," he said.
Khadija Begum, who has been working at the factory for nearly three years, said she received about five months of training before starting work in lace fitting. Her monthly salary has increased to Tk19,300 from Tk10,400 when she joined.
Shikha Akter, who came from Chandpur after completing her higher secondary education, works in quality auditing. "The working environment is very good. We work in an air-conditioned facility and receive good benefits."
UBF also operates factories in Poland. Robiul said rising production costs there have prompted the company to consider shifting some production to Bangladesh. Trainers from Poland have already been coming to Bangladesh to train workers.
The company currently produces designs created by foreign designers but plans to work with local designers in the future. It is also seeking to increase local sourcing by developing embroidery and lace production and plans to manufacture footwear in Bangladesh.
According to Grand View Research, the global wedding wear market was valued at $82.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $109.9 billion by 2030. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13.5% between 2025 and 2030, driven partly by rising disposable incomes and demand for luxury and customised wedding attire.
Adamjee EPZ's growing export base
Adamjee EPZ was established in 2006 on the former site of the historic Adamjee Jute Mills after the then-government had moved to put the large industrial land to productive use.
Located in Siddhirganj upazila of Narayanganj, the EPZ spans 292.62 acres. Over the past two decades, it has developed into a major export-oriented industrial hub, housing factories producing high-value garments and other products for international brands.
According to Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority data, the EPZ currently employs 76,027 people and has attracted $847.03 million in investment.
Factories operating there have exported products worth a total of $11.14 billion so far, supplying global brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and Van Heusen.
The emergence of specialised bridal wear production adds another high-value segment to the EPZ's growing export portfolio, showing the potential for Bangladesh to diversify beyond conventional apparel into more specialised and premium products.
