Keraniganj's transformation has not been spectacular like areas such as Gulshan, Banani and Uttara for understandable reasons. Located not far from the capital's heart, its greatest disadvantage is its separation from the city by the river Buriganga. Although the area may not acquire the posh characteristics of a diplomatic enclave or living quarters of the rich and elite of society, Keraniganj has been undergoing quiet changes to earn an enviable epithet of economic miracle. Already nicknamed Bangladesh's Shaoxing, the Chinese city famous for producing denim wears, Keraniganj's rise to fame however owes to a modest beginning when a few enterprising persons opted for producing jeans instead of modifying used clothes. A report carried in this newspaper quotes a few such pioneering men who have expanded their business from a small beginning.
There has indeed been a revolution in jeans manufacturing in Keraniganj but not many are aware of this because of the hub's location on the other side of the Buriganga. The volume of business, number and increased size of production units speak for themselves. Home to 5,500 small and medium factories, the manufacturing belt has created employment for more than 0.3 million people. There are 200 specialised markets for denim articles spread over an area of two kilometres with an estimated daily transaction of Tk 300 million. No wonder Keraniganj meets 70 per cent of the domestic demand for denim clothes. Hats off to those people who have demonstrated exceptional energy, business acumen, skill and enterprise to organise businesses in their own way almost without the knowledge of advanced business administration! Resourcefulness and resilience are the hallmark of the common people here. Technology is no longer something to be shunned but people are making good use of it in order to compete with their rivals.
It is good to know that the quality of the products is improving fast. The manufacturers are exporting denim items to India, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. Although claims have been made that the products are competing with those made in China, there is a long way to go before such products can capture the attention of high-end markets in the West. People who can come thus far without official patronage certainly have the potential to venture into fresh territories. Sure enough, they have begun from scrap and credit goes to them for doing so much within a short time.
Yet it must be admitted that the manufacturers could do better if the entire manufacturing belt had the required facilities. Although labour relations have unreservedly been harmonious, there is little doubt that in the absence of proper utility services, operations of units located there are badly hampered. When it comes to exporting apparels to developed countries, such considerations come to the fore. It is because of this, things have to be streamlined before the entire belt goes further messy and crowded. To that end the government should make a proper plan for arranging the sites of each manufacturing unit with provision for space in between and roads and avenues. Otherwise, jumbled-up clustering can be a potential source for any major disaster in the future.
Making of a denim hub
FE Team | Published: March 03, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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