The government has taken fresh initiatives to develop Bangladesh’s furniture industry and expand its footprint in global markets, Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin said on Tuesday.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the 20th National Furniture Fair 2025 in Dhaka, he highlighted the sector’s strong growth potential and called on entrepreneurs to make greater investments to enhance innovation, design, and competitiveness.
“The furniture industry holds immense promise for Bangladesh,” the adviser said. “We must utilize our resources and opportunities wisely to strengthen the country’s position in the global furniture market within the shortest possible time.”
Sheikh Bashir Uddin noted that the previous government’s economic policies had created an “economic bubble” that boosted office expansions, such as bank branches, without generating sufficient employment. “That’s why the current government had to adopt contractionary policies to stabilize the economy. Without these measures, recovery would not have been possible,” he said.
Criticizing the lack of innovation in furniture design, he added, “Our furniture often lacks functional and aesthetic value. While the government is adopting modern policies, entrepreneurs must focus on innovation. The Ministry of Commerce is actively exploring new markets for this sector. Furniture reflects artistry and taste—areas we need to emphasize.”
He further said that consumers often turn away from Bangladeshi furniture not because of price, but because of a lack of creativity. “We must enhance our capacity for innovation. Negotiations are ongoing with several countries on free trade agreements, which will open new opportunities for the furniture industry,” he said.
The event was presided over by Bangladesh Furniture Industries Owners Association (BFIOA) Chairman Selim H. Rahman. Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice-Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif and Bangladesh Furniture Exporters Association President Dr. K.M. Akhtaruzzaman attended as special guests.
This year’s fair features 48 leading furniture companies showcasing their latest designs and products across 278 stalls. The five-day event is being held at the Bashundhara International Convention Center’s Gulnaksha (Hall-1), Pushpoguccho (Hall-2), and Rajdarshan (Hall-3) venues.
The exhibition, open to all visitors, is being held under the theme “My Country, My Dream — Decorating Homes with Local Furniture.” It is considered the largest event in Bangladesh’s furniture sector, aimed at promoting local craftsmanship and expanding export prospects.