Fashion
Bangladesh’s economic outlook cautiously optimistic: Govt
As Bangladesh heads towards general election in February next year, the GED’s economic outlook is cautiously optimistic.
Deep structural weaknesses along with the political transition period could constrain economic momentum, Bangladesh’s Planning Commission recently said.
The economy could regain pace if the election leads to a clear political direction and reforms are carried out.
Election-related spending and possible disruptions may add further pressure on inflation and the foreign exchange market.
The update said the economy could regain pace if the election produces a clear political direction and the next government decisively undertakes long-delayed reforms, particularly in improving the business climate, stabilising the banking system and ensuring fiscal and energy security.
Without such reforms, the recovery may be short-lived, it noted.
Election-related spending and possible disruptions during the transition are expected to add further pressure on inflation and the foreign exchange market, complicating stabilisation efforts, domestic media reports cited the GED document as saying.
Overall inflation dropped to 8.17 per cent in October from 10.87 per cent a year earlier. Non-food inflation inched up to 9.13 per cent.
While bank deposits grew at nearly double-digit rates through August and September, private-sector credit growth fell to just 6.29 per cent—the lowest in at least four years and well below the central bank’s target of 7.2 per cent for fiscal 2025-26.
High lending rates, cautious bank behaviour and political uncertainty have depressed investment appetite. Meanwhile, government borrowing from commercial banks surged by 24.45 per cent in September, raising concerns about crowding out private borrowers, said the document.
Revenue collection in October this year fell short of the target by Tk 8,324 crore, achieving only 77.37 per cent of the month’s goal. All major revenue streams—import duties, domestic VAT, and income tax—underperformed.
Foreign exchange reserves improved significantly, rising from $24.35 billion in November 2024 to $32.34 billion in October 2025.
Export earnings remained volatile. Exports peaked in July at $4.77 billion, but suffered sharp declines in April and June.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Burberry has unveiled its new Gabardine Capsule, celebrating 170 years of the British luxury house. The capsule honours the revolutionary fabric, Gabardine, invented in 1879 by Thomas Burberry, whose weather-resistant properties have defined the brand’s outerwear heritage for nearly 150 years. Worn by explorers and everyday adventurers alike, gabardine remains central to Burberry’s identity.
Burberry has launched its Gabardine Capsule to mark 170 years, celebrating its iconic weather-resistant fabric invented by Thomas Burberry in 1879.
The range reworks parkas, bombers and quilted jackets in brushed cotton nylon gabardine, alongside knitwear and jersey layering pieces.
A heritage label inspired by a 1993 campaign highlights the brand’s countryside roots.
Reimagining signature outerwear styles, the collection features parkas, down-filled jackets, quilted silhouettes, Harringtons and bombers crafted in brushed cotton nylon gabardine. These pieces are dyed in a capsule palette of hamper beige and juniper green.
Layering pieces include chunky ribbed wool-cashmere knitwear and soft cotton melange hoodies, jogging pants and T-shirts. Many styles are detailed with gabardine panels and trench-inspired elements, such as the brand’s signature epaulettes, Burberry said in a release.
Reflecting Burberry’s enduring connection to the countryside and outdoor pursuits, the capsule introduces a specially designed label inspired by an archival 1993 campaign reading: ‘Burberrys grew out of country life.’ The label appears stitched inside coats and jackets, appliqued on jersey styles and rendered as an intarsia motif on knitwear.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
She was addressing the second edition of the Kwahu Business Forum in Mpraeso.
Ghana is collaborating with the private sector to set up three new garment units, generating 27,000 direct jobs under the 24 Hour Economy Policy.
The facilities will be located in the Central, Bono East and Eastern regions, with each factory expected to operate 24 hours to maximise productivity.
Each unit can employ 3,000 workers per shift.
Contracts have been secured to ensure demand-driven production.
She termed the decision as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s rapid industrialisation strategy to boost domestic manufacturing and create employment opportunities.
The facilities will be located in the Central, Bono East and Eastern regions, with each factory expected to operate 24 hours to maximise productivity. Each unit can employ 3,000 workers per shift.
Contracts have already been secured to ensure demand-driven production, Ofosu-Adjare was cited as saying by domestic media outlets.
The government is also finalising key policies for the garment and textiles sector, awaiting approval from the Minister of Finance.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
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