Nabin Hashemi, Managing Director of Nabin Panjabi, has left Bangladesh.
He claimed he was receiving threats from business syndicates after selling panjabis at very low prices.
He said he did not want his children to become orphans due to violence.
The businessman left the country through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Tuesday evening.
Low-Cost Panjabi (Nabin Panjabi) Seller Leaves Country Amid Threats
Nabin Panjabi MD Nabin Hashemi, Managing Director of the clothing brand Nabin Panjabi, has left the country after receiving alleged threats from business syndicates. He departed from Bangladesh on Tuesday (24 March) evening through Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. He had earlier gained attention for selling panjabi and pajama sets at very low prices.
Facebook Post: “I Don’t Want My Children to Become Orphans”
Before leaving, Nabin Hashemi shared a photo of his departure on Facebook and explained his decision in an emotional post. He wrote,
“সিংহের মতো বাচতে চাই,কিন্তু সিন্ডিকেটের গুলিতে সন্তানদের এতিম করতে চাই না…. তাই দেশ ছেড়ে চলে যাচ্ছি,পরিস্থিতি স্বাভাবিক হলে হয়তোবা একদিন ফিরব-ইনশাআল্লাহ।”
Translation: “I want to live like a lion, but I do not want my children to become orphans because of bullets from syndicates. So, I am leaving the country. If the situation becomes normal, I may return one day, InshaAllah.”
Nabin MD’s Post
Announcement Made Earlier at a Press Conference
Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, he had already announced his decision to leave Bangladesh during a press conference held in protest of the closure of his shop at Bishal Centre in Moghbazar, Dhaka. He said that since the previous day, he had been receiving threatening phone calls from different numbers. He said,
“ভিডিও যা আছে ডিলিট করে দাও। নইলে, ব্যবসা একটা বন্ধ করে দিয়েছি, আরও যেগুলো আছে সেগুলোও বন্ধ করে দেব।”
Translation: “They told me to delete the videos I have. Otherwise, they have already shut down one business and will shut down the rest as well.”
Nabin Hashemi said he is a migrant worker who returned to Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic and started his business at that time. His goal was to provide quality products to customers at fair prices. He also claimed that the profits of the company were used for social welfare, including helping poor people and employing marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities, members of the hijra community, and people recovering from drug addiction.
Panjabi Sold at Tk 300, Suppliers Offered Low Prices
According to him, his company was able to sell panjabi and pajama sets at Tk 300 because suppliers provided products at lower prices, knowing the business was working for social causes. He said their pricing model was based on affordability for ordinary people.
Allegations Against Business Syndicate and Rival Shops
Nabin Hashemi alleged that shop owners from nearby stores, including one named Prince, along with other traders and police, forced his shop to shut down and harassed customers.
He Said,
“এই মার্কেটে চার হাজার ৫০০ টাকার কমে পাঞ্জাবি ও ১৫০০ টাকার কমে পাজামা বিক্রি করা যাবে না।”
Translation: “They said that in this market, panjabis cannot be sold for less than Tk 4,500 and pajamas cannot be sold for less than Tk 1,500.”
Appeal to Government for Protection and Support
He also appealed to the government, saying that despite facing many obstacles, his business never received any support from authorities.
He said,
“আমরা সবসময় নিপীড়িত হয়ে থাকি। যদি সাধারণ মানুষের জন্য নিজ উদ্যোগে কিছু করতেও চাই তখনও আমাদের ভয়ভীতি দেখানো হয়।”
Translation: “We are always oppressed. Even when we try to do something for ordinary people on our own initiative, we are still threatened.”
