Once upon a time, shopping in Bangladesh was regarded as an activity where one hunted the best price at the new market or got a custom-made suit at a nearby boutique. Skip ahead to 2025, and the view is quite different. Today, it's no surprise to see rows of luxury cars in Banani, imported watches peeking from boardroom sleeves, or Instagram feeds overflowing with branded handbags and global fashion hauls. So the question is - has Bangladeshis become more brand-conscious than ever before?
This certainly seems to be the case. Rising incomes, steady GDP growth and strong remittance inflows have given birth to a confident middle and upper-middle class with significant spending power. At the forefront of this shift are young professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. For them, luxury is not just about quality-it is a lifestyle. It goes beyond fashion; it is identity, prestige, and proof of success in a compressed society, signalled by Gucci sneakers or a Louis Vuitton bag.
Rocket fuel has been added to this trend by social media. Luxury has become a visual marker of success on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. A snapshot at a five-star brunch or a reel unboxing the latest iPhone is not just content; it is currency in the social media economy. This is why high-end restaurants, rooftop bars and luxury hotels are booming in Dhaka and beyond.
But here's the twist: this trend highlights a growing social divide. On the one hand, the affluent embrace a luxurious lifestyle; on the other, many still struggle to access basic necessities. Critics argue that brand obsession reflects a culture of superficiality. Supporters, however, see it as an evidence of economic maturity and Bangladesh's integration into global consumer culture.
Whether interpreted as a sign of development or a case of social snobbery, one fact remains undeniable: luxury is no longer confined to a tiny elite in Bangladesh, it is fast becoming the new norm. And don't be too surprised if your next-door neighbour's bag says Dior instead of Doel, in a society where status often speaks louder than words.
Syed Shadman Zahin
Student
SBE,North South University
syed.zahin05@northsouth.edu
