Dhaka, Nov. 2 -- Bangladesh stands at a turning point in its investment story. For years, the country has been known as a place of promise, with a young population, a growing middle class, and an abundance of affordable labour. But for foreign investors, the story has never been that simple.
There is no denying the appeal. Around 200 million people live, work, and shop in a small geographic area. Compared to larger, more diverse markets, this cultural and behavioural homogeneity greatly simplifies product testing, distribution network construction, and operation scaling.
The consumer from Bangladesh, however, acts differently. Here, people are cautious and pragmatic, prioritising value and functionality over luxury or branding. A thorough...