Research Proposal Tailor in Bangladesh Dhaka – Free Word Template Download with AI

The tailoring sector represents a vital yet undervalued segment of Bangladesh's informal economy, particularly within the bustling urban landscape of Dhaka. As one of the world's largest garment exporters, Bangladesh often overshadows the immense contribution of local tailors who cater to daily wear needs across diverse socioeconomic strata. This Research Proposal addresses a critical gap: the systematic study and strategic support for traditional tailors operating in Dhaka, Bangladesh. While global attention focuses on factory-based manufacturing, over 500,000 independent tailor units sustain livelihoods in Dhaka's neighborhoods, markets (like New Market and Shahbagh), and informal workshops. This research seeks to understand their operational challenges, economic significance, and potential for integration into Bangladesh's broader textile value chain. By centering the experiences of these tailors within Dhaka city limits, we aim to propose actionable interventions that preserve cultural craftsmanship while fostering inclusive growth in Bangladesh's urban economy.

Traditional tailors in Dhaka face mounting pressures threatening their viability. Rising costs of fabrics and tools, competition from cheap ready-made garments, declining demand for custom fittings due to urban migration patterns, and inadequate access to formal credit systems plague the sector. Crucially, no comprehensive study has mapped these challenges specifically within Dhaka's unique socio-economic context or assessed the sector's contribution to Bangladesh's non-factory apparel ecosystem. The neglect of this segment risks eroding Dhaka's cultural heritage of personalized garment-making—a practice deeply embedded in local identity—and exacerbating urban poverty among thousands of micro-entrepreneurs. Without targeted policy support, the future viability of these tailors remains uncertain, undermining Bangladesh's potential for diversified textile sector resilience.

Existing literature primarily focuses on Bangladesh's large-scale RMG (Ready-Made Garment) industry, neglecting small-scale tailoring. Studies by the International Labour Organization (ILO, 2021) acknowledge informal tailors but lack Dhaka-specific data. Local research from BRAC University (2023) notes "tailor" clusters in Old Dhaka face space constraints but doesn't explore business models. A recent World Bank report (Bangladesh Economic Update, 2024) highlights that 78% of Dhaka's tailoring units operate without formal registration, limiting access to government schemes. This gap necessitates a localized study prioritizing the "tailor" as the core subject within Bangladesh Dhaka, moving beyond generalized garment industry analyses to capture nuanced urban artisan dynamics.

1. To map and categorize traditional tailoring units across 10 key Dhaka districts (e.g., Old Dhaka, Mirpur, Gulshan), identifying operational scale (micro-enterprise vs. home-based workshop).
2. To analyze the socio-economic impact of tailors on household income stability in Bangladesh's urban context.
3. To identify specific barriers faced by tailors in Dhaka: market access, material costs, skill adaptation, and digital literacy gaps.
To co-create a sustainable growth framework with Dhaka-based tailor associations and relevant Bangladeshi institutions (e.g., BGMEA, SME Foundation).

This mixed-methods research will be conducted over 18 months in Dhaka, Bangladesh. A stratified random sampling approach will target 300 tailors across diverse neighborhoods and business sizes, ensuring representation of female tailors (a rapidly growing demographic in Dhaka's sector). Quantitative surveys will measure income patterns, cost structures, and market access. Qualitative component: In-depth interviews (n=45) with key informants including Dhaka-based tailor union leaders (e.g., "Dhaka Tailors Welfare Association") and local government officials. Additionally, 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) will be held in community centers across Dhaka to capture collective insights. Data analysis will use SPSS for statistics and thematic coding for qualitative data. Ethical clearance will be sought from the University of Dhaka's Research Ethics Board, prioritizing consent and confidentiality for all participants.

The research will deliver a detailed Dhaka-specific typology of tailoring businesses, revealing how "tailor" operations differ from RMG factories in Bangladesh. Crucially, it will quantify the sector's contribution to Dhaka's informal economy—providing evidence to advocate for policy interventions like tailored microfinance programs via Bangladesh Bank or integration into the National Textile Policy. A key outcome will be a practical "Tailoring Support Toolkit" co-designed with Dhaka-based tailors, featuring low-cost digital marketing strategies (e.g., WhatsApp business profiles), bulk material procurement networks, and training modules for traditional embroidery skills preservation. This directly supports Bangladesh's Vision 2041 goals for inclusive economic growth by empowering micro-entrepreneurs in Dhaka city.

Success will position Dhaka as a model city for integrating cultural heritage with urban entrepreneurship. Empowered tailors will contribute to reducing unemployment among women (a significant segment of the workforce) and increase household resilience against economic shocks like the 2023 inflation surge. By strengthening this sector, Bangladesh can diversify its textile economy beyond export-oriented factories—making Dhaka less vulnerable to global market fluctuations while preserving unique craft traditions. The proposed "Dhaka Tailor Network" platform could serve as a replicable model for other South Asian cities, enhancing Bangladesh's reputation as a leader in holistic fashion ecosystem development.

This Research Proposal addresses an urgent need: the strategic support of Dhaka's traditional tailors within Bangladesh. Moving beyond the dominance of factory-centric narratives, it centers the "tailor" as both cultural custodian and economic actor vital to Bangladesh's urban fabric. By grounding this study firmly in Dhaka city conditions, with actionable outputs for Bangladeshi policymakers and local stakeholders, this research promises tangible benefits for thousands of tailors while enriching Bangladesh's broader textile sector narrative. The findings will directly inform the next iteration of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) initiatives targeting micro-enterprises in Dhaka, ensuring no segment of the nation's garment ecosystem is left behind. The sustainability and dignity of Dhaka's tailors are not just local concerns—they are critical to Bangladesh's future as a dynamic, inclusive textile hub.

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