Alaul Alam :
Bangladesh has made tremendous advancement to produce various products locally. Apart from agricultural brands the industrial brands are being appreciated across the globe. The garment products of the country have secured a prestigious position in the world. Buyers from many developed countries show their interest to buy the garments produces. Behind the country’s achievement of shinning economy this sector has a significant contribution. The country imports readymade garments, medicines, leather and jute products, frozen foods, ceramic items, handicrafts, shipbuilding, bicycles and so on. Apart from this, some inherited resources such as Jamdani sari, hilsa fish and many more produces have attracted the people across the world.
The country sees green revolution in agriculture. The produces from the agriculture have been surplus over the years; thus the country has achieved food security. Not only that, there are some crops grown in the country, which have special fascination to the international market. It is obvious that the country which is less dependent on import has more possibility for its quick development. Bangladesh is such a country which is blessed with huge resources and by utilizing these resources the country moves on with significant development.
Relatively, the development of Bangladesh after its independence fifty years back has set an example in the global arena. In 1972, Bangabandhu assumed the office as the statesman of a war-ravaged country. Poverty and food insecurity were so pervasive due to the havocs caused by the Pakistani janta in the long battle. On top of that, human sufferings worsened in the wake of natural calamities during the time. Amid all the challenges, Bangabandhu moved towards inclusive development adopting immediate initiatives. He prioritized agriculture to meet up the food demands of the people.
Along with this, there was the priority to the field of industrialization to produce the necessities locally. In the war ravaged country people had no alternatives but to be dependent on imported medicines. Rightly Bangabandhu advised the local entrepreneurs to produce medicines in the country so that people could get their necessary medicines easily and reasonably.
The initiatives of Bangabandhu taught us how the war-torn people could stand on foot again with their own resources. Bangabandhu had his strong vision to make Bangladesh ‘Sonar Bangla’. The concept of ‘Sonar Bangla’ is no more a dream. The present government spearheaded by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working relentlessly to materialize the dream of Bangabandhu. Bangabndhu taught us how to be proud with what we have.
It is evident that the country is on the right track in the development index. But the question is pertinent to rise; how far the mentality of the people has changed over the years? People still in these days take pride in using foreign brands. The affluent people hardly show any fascination to the local products. They cannot depend on the products produced locally.
Foreign cosmetics, jewelry, dresses or any other essentials get the first priority to them. Again, a misconception pervades that foreign brands claim more quality than the products locally produced. The rising trend to use foreign products not only affects our economy but also create a culture of demeaning the local products.
Apart from this, multi-national companies are seeing more scopes to expand their market as local brands hardly survive to compete with the multinational brands. Due to the shrinking of local brands multinational companies grab the biggest market share. The causes are many why domestic brands are lagging behind to compete with the foreign brands. One thing is more evident that many claim that local brands fail to ensure quality.
The so-called rich people seem always ready to speak ill of the local products and cannot resist themselves from using foreign products. Such products are the emblem of their prestige. Obviously, the use of foreign items is justified when a country sees un availability of local products. But amid the affluence of local brands what is the rational of buying products of foreign companies? In this regard, passion for foreign products is nothing but to spend money more lavishly.
It is really frustrating when we see that our neighboring countries are giving priority to use their own produces, many people in the country find pleasure and prestige to use foreign brands demeaning their local or native brands. If we use our local brands, it cannot only save our money, but also contribute to our economy and create employment opportunity for many youths.
These days it is good to see that many local entrepreneurs are concentrating on developing their own brands. Especially, in ready-made garments some local brands have become popular to the customers. Many garments industries are opening showrooms to launch their own brands. These are good initiatives to make people known to the local brands and make them enthusiastic to towards local brands.
However, it is not my intention to oppose the foreign and multinational brands. Multinational companies are investing billions of dollars in the country that help enhance our economy. My opinion is that to show the true love to our country we should prioritize our local brands first. Again, foreign brands should focus on marketing their products considering local culture and environment. Finally, it is time to uphold the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ campaign at our heart.
(Alaul Alam teaches at Prime University and is also a research scholar at the IBS Email: [email protected]).
