Pak fashion trunk show sparks outrage over alleged violations and irregularities

A lavish trunk show of Pakistani garments, organised under the banner of Carryzone Corp Ltd, is being held today at the prestigious Westin Hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka — and it has already stirred up a storm among consumers and regulatory authorities.

The event, reportedly spearheaded by Ms. Tahreen Faizul Huq, daughter of Awami League leader and Carryzone Corp Ltd director A.K. Faizul Huq Raju, has drawn sharp criticism for alleged breaches of trade permissions and irregular practices. Ms. Tahreen, herself a youth leader affiliated with the Bangladesh Awami Jubo League, is said to be the chief organiser of the show.

Abdul Jabbar, a magistrate from the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection (DNCRP) was present at the event.. When asked aboout whether the organisers were complying with the conditions imposed by the Ministry of Commerce for the exhibition, the magistrate declined to make any comment — a silence that has further fuelled public concern.

According to the ministry’s approval terms, the organisers were permitted solely to showcase and sell apparel from their own brand. However, multiple Pakistani brands were seen being openly displayed and sold — a blatant violation of the stipulated conditions.

The controversy deepened when Ms. Tahreen Faizul Huq informed reporters that she was not, in fact, the principal organiser — claiming instead that Mr. Aamir Mazhar, a Dubai-based businessman of Pakistani origin, was behind the event. Strikingly, the ministry’s official approval document makes no mention of Mr. Mazhar’s name.

Further irregularities surfaced as organisers failed to produce the necessary authorisation from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs required for the participation of celebrity models at the event.

Prices of the displayed Pakistani dresses and jewellery were described as “sky-high” — well beyond the reach of average consumers. No lower-priced or moderately affordable products were observed at the exhibition.

Even more troubling was the discovery that vendors were unable to present valid import documents, sales invoices, or VAT records for the goods being sold. Despite these apparent violations, DNCRP officials were seen taking no tangible action, prompting serious questions about administrative inaction and selective oversight.

Business insiders have admitted that this is the first-ever Pakistani trunk show of its kind in Bangladesh. However, many believe such unrestricted sale of foreign goods directly undermines the interests of local entrepreneurs and domestic fashion brands, creating a grossly uneven playing field in the market.

Industry analysts argue that by allowing such events, the government risks taking a discriminatory stance against homegrown designers and fashion houses, effectively weakening Bangladesh’s own creative economy.

Local fashion entrepreneurs have denounced this form of trade exhibition, asserting that commercial sales under the guise of “foreign fashion showcases” are a direct threat to the country’s fashion industry and economic self-reliance.

Event Organiser:

Ms. Tahreen Faizul Huq — Bangladeshi organiser, daughter of A.K. Faizul Huq Raju

Foreign Participants Allegedly Involved in Smuggling and Illegal Trade:

• Mr. Aamir Mazhar — Pakistani national, reportedly a notorious smuggler
• Mr. Malik Asad — Pakistani organiser
• Ms. Farah Talib Aziz — Pakistani celebrity designer
• Mr. Deepak Perwani — Pakistani celebrity designer
• Ms. Ansab Jahangir — Pakistani celebrity designer
• Ms. Zainab Salman — Pakistani celebrity designer

As of now, no official statement has been issued by the concerned authorities regarding the alleged irregularities and violations surrounding the event — leaving both the public and local fashion industry stakeholders demanding urgent answers.