In search of a better future, Md Selim and Hasanuzzaman Hassan migrated to the US roughly over three decades ago. The brothers eventually found success in construction business there but could not ignore the urge for contributing to their homeland. 

Driven by a desire to make a difference in their country, they returned home, leaving behind a secure and comfortable life. Subsequently, they built cold storage facilities and footwear factories in northern Bangladesh.

The non-leather shoes made in these factories in rural Rangpur, around 300 kilometre northwest of capital Dhaka, are currently being exported to European and Indian markets. The export destinations include Poland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Germany and Canada. The shoemaker also is now in process to send products to the United States.

Besides, the factories now employ nearly 3,000 workers, mostly women who were previously unable to contribute financially to their struggling families.

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Non-leather footwear on course to half-billion export club

The brothers' journey of change began in 2007 when they returned to Bangladesh with Tk 3.5 crore for a potential investment. Although there were political and economic uncertainties at the time, they had a clear focus: to contribute to their home community meaningfully. 

In 2009, they built a cold storage in Nilphamari for agri items like seeds and potatoes. In 2012, the brothers established their second facility at Mithapukur of Rangpur. 

They soon turned to the footwear industry, a decision that would transform the local employment landscape for women. 

In 2017, they built a shoe factory, BLING Leather Products Ltd, on 9.5 acres of land at Ghonirampur area of Taraganj. 

Hassan said there were a lack of raw materials and a skilled workforce at the time, but their dream was to create employment in the locality and set an example as expatriates.

The second unit of the shoe-maker has been inaugurated recently.

But the beginning of their journey was far from easy. According to Hassan, they faced difficulties in management and technology, partly because their factory was far from the capital Dhaka.

Besides, the lack of shoe-making and exporting experience was another challenge. 

By 2020, the brothers managed to start shoe production, primarily churning out 300 pairs per day. In 2021, the firm entered the global market. 

Hassan said they earned Tk 320 crore from the shipment of synthetic shoes to Europe and India in last fiscal year 2023-24.

Meanwhile, in 2023, Selim passed away after suffering from age-related complications for years. 

"Managing the business in such challenging times was difficult," said his younger brother Hassan. 

Last Friday, Managing Director and CEO of Rupali Bank Kazi Md Wahidul Islam inaugurated the second unit of BLING Leather. To ensure international standards, the company has sourced machinery from Taiwan and Italy.

Rupali Bank is financing Tk 90 crore to expand the firm's production capacity.

In terms of local employment, the new unit marks another milestone. Currently, the two factories employ around 2,900 workers.

Hassan said the production lines have helped reduce unemployment in the area, providing stable incomes for families that once struggled to make ends meet. 

"Just five or six years ago, men in the area had to leave in search of work while women remained unemployed. Today, the scenario has changed dramatically," he recalled. 

With the second unit now operational, some 15,000 pairs of shoes are being produced daily. By 2026, Hassan said they aim to increase production to 50,000 pairs per day. 

Hamida Khatun, a worker at BLING Leather Products Ltd, said she started working at the factory more than a year ago. 

"Before this job, my family depended solely on the income of my husband, who is a rickshaw-van puller. Now, I earn Tk 10,000 per month, and our financial condition has improved," said Khatun. 

"I feel empowered knowing that I contribute to my family's well-being," she added. 

After four years of international market entry and latest expansion, BLING Leather now aims to accomplish an export target of Tk 700 crore by the end of 2028.

But for Hassan, life is not just about gains. "Rather, it's about contributing to the nation meaningfully," he said.