Have you ever heard of a company that invites customers and followers to Bangladesh to see how the products are made?
Trip March 2027
I didn’t have that until in 2025 I traveled with a group of 17 wonderful customers and curious followers. It was a fantastic experience, and now I’m repeating the success with a new trip to Bangladesh in March 2027 in collaboration with Viktors Farmor.
Background
It has been almost 15 years since I first visited Bangladesh.
I was both captivated and overwhelmed by the hectic traffic, the enormous noise, the crowds, and the life unfolding in Dhaka.
Beneath the surface I saw a country and a people who are so much more than 'just' a textile industry and a dirty chaos — which is probably what most people think of Bangladesh. The country, the people and the experience stayed with me in a way I had never felt before.
What made the biggest impression was the textile production. It was a HUGE eye-opener for me to see the large factories where the seamstresses sit in long rows on one floor after another, sewing clothes for the big brands we all know and own clothes from.
It made an even greater impression (of course) to see the small sewing workshops — the subcontractors to the big factories — where children as young as six sat in small cellars in 45-degree heat, sewing or sleeping under the sewing table until there was a 'shift change'.
That trip changed my view forever. It didn't necessarily make me a better consumer, but it certainly made me a much more reflective and informed one.
The trip was a great source of inspiration for building Manelleh 💪🏾
A very special trip
Since then I've wanted others to have the experience I had the first time I visited Bangladesh. Because it's so important and rewarding to see different places and sides of the world we live (and shop) in.
That's why I teamed up with Viktors Farmor, who in 2025 organized the trip I had in mind.
It was a fantastic trip. Just as I'd hoped — and since then many have asked if we'd run the trip again. We are doing it now. Places are in high demand, so don't wait too long to sign up if you want to come.
On the trip we will visit the capital Dhaka as well as travel out into the countryside in northern Bangladesh. A large part of the trip is, of course, also visiting the three women's organizations that Manelleh supports and works with. We will also visit the women at their homes in the countryside of northern Bangladesh.
And Bangladesh is something special. No matter how much or little you may have traveled.
See the preliminary itinerary below.
Warmly,
Maria🧡
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM MARCH 2027
Departure København
Morning: Arrival and check-in at the hotel in Dhaka
Morning meeting and review of the day's program at the hotel
Morning: Visit to the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum
In the morning we visit the museum, which used to be the home of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is known as the Father of the Nation, and the house is now a museum that offers insight into the pride, national identity, and love of language and culture that shape Bangladeshi society.
Afternoon: Visit to a local market
We visit the local Gulshan market to get a sense of everyday life in Dhaka. At Gulshan market people buy their daily necessities, but there are also interesting shops for travelers selling beads, brass, leather, and genuine local silk by the meter. You can also buy inexpensive, good-quality eyeglasses. Of course we sample what the street vendors offer. Everything is 100% freshly prepared, so it is perfectly safe to eat.
Evening: Boat trip and dinner by the river
We end the day with a boat trip on the Sitalakka River, see Bangladesh from the water, and have dinner by the river.
Morning: Morning meeting and review of the day’s programme at the hotel
Mid-morning: Visit to the Danish Embassy in Bangladesh
We will visit the embassy and hear about:
- The country’s history, social conditions, economy, politics and culture
- More than 50 years of trade and cooperation between Denmark and Bangladesh
- The garment industry in Bangladesh and working conditions at the factories
- The situation for women and children in the country
Afternoon: Visit to a textile factory
In the afternoon we will visit a textile factory. Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest textile producer, and much of the clothing sold in Denmark is produced in Bangladesh. During the visit you will gain an insight into production in the garment industry and the working conditions at the large textile factories.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant
Morning: Flight to Saidpur in northern Bangladesh
Late morning: Arrival, transfer and check-in in Saidpur
Gathering and a run-through of the day's program at the hotel
Midday: Visit to Saidpur Enterprises
We will visit Saidpur Enterprises, one of the organizations Manelleh works with. Saidpur Enterprises is a social enterprise that provides decent, meaningful, and dignified jobs for marginalized women. Here the women receive a fair wage, an annual bonus (dividend), a pension, and vocational training. At Saidpur Enterprises they, among other things, make beautiful new products out of old saris.
Afternoon: Home visits to some of the women
We split into smaller groups and visit the homes of some of the women who work at Saidpur Enterprises. Here we gain insight into how the women and their families live—and, not least, the difference having a good job makes to them. Home visits are a very special experience and often one of the most personal and memorable parts of the trip.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant
Morning: Visit to fair-trade producer Bunon Kutir out in the countryside
We drive about two hours outside Saidpur, far out into the countryside, where we visit Bunon Kutir, one of the organizations Manelleh collaborates with. Bunon Kutir works to create jobs for women in the rural areas of northern Bangladesh. Here the women receive a fair wage and at the same time help preserve and develop traditional crafts. They hand-weave rugs and weave beautiful baskets.
Afternoon: Sightseeing
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant
Morning: Flight back to Dhaka
Late morning: Visit to Arla, known in Bangladesh as Dano
We will visit the Danish company Dano (Arla). We'll hear from Dano's Danish director about what it's like for a Danish company to operate in Bangladesh.
Afternoon: Visit to fair trade producer Tarango
We will visit Tarango, one of the organizations Manelleh collaborates with. Tarango is a recognized fair trade organization that works to give women the opportunity to be independent and to live a life free from, for example, poverty, prostitution, violence, and discrimination. At Tarango, women artisans make beautiful baskets and bags, primarily from jute. All products are naturally dyed and hand-woven or hand-braided.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant
Morning: Morning meeting and review of the day's program at the hotel
Mid-morning: Visit to a local NGO (Dhaka)
It is estimated that there are more than 1 million child laborers in Bangladesh. This afternoon we will visit a local NGO (e.g., Red Barnet in Bangladesh) to gain an understanding of children's lives and living conditions in Bangladesh. Here we will learn more about child labor and gain a nuanced perspective on the many dilemmas surrounding child labor.
Afternoon: Shopping and gift purchases
Afternoon: Optional cultural experience
Evening: Dinner at Den Nordiske Klub, including an evaluation of the trip
Afternoon: Departure from Dhaka and arrival in Copenhagen
Price, duration and time
CONDITION:
It is a condition for the trip that there are 12 participants. If the required number of participants is not met, participants will be refunded their deposit and notified no later than 3 months before departure.
Date: 12–19 March 2027
Duration: 8 days including travel days
Price: DKK 20,900.
The package tour and price include:
- Round-trip flights to Bangladesh
- Accommodation in single rooms at tourist hotels
- Full board
- All transport including domestic flights
- Tips and gifts for the people we visit
- Local guides
- Danish tour leaders: Filip Engsig-Karup, Viktors Farmor and Maria Manel Bøge, Manelleh
Not included: visa, travel insurance and any vaccinations.
Payment: A deposit of 20% of the trip, i.e. approximately DKK 4,000, is payable upon registration. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
The technical tour operator is Viktors Farmor (Rejsegarantifonden
nr. 1923), and you can read the terms and conditions here:
Sign up
To reserve a spot, please send the following information to Michael.
• Full name as shown on passport
• Date of birth
• Address
• Mobile number
• Email address
• Whether you want a single or double room (if two people are booking). A deduction of 400 kr. applies for a shared double/twin room
• Whether you want cancellation insurance (7% of the trip price)
To register, please send your information to Michael Høeg Andersen by email: mha@viktorsfarmor.dk
Group trip to Bangladesh
- Bangladesh is one of the world’s largest textile producers, but what does that actually mean?
- What is the country like?
- How do people live?
- What does the clothing industry look like and what are the working conditions?
- And are there alternative ways to create production that is more environmentally friendly and socially responsible?
You'll discover all of this on the trip.
Facts about Bangladesh
Location: Bangladesh borders India and Burma and is three times the size of Denmark.
Climate: Bangladesh has a subtropical monsoon climate. Average temperatures rise from about 19°C in October–March to 29°C in April–September.
Population: More than 170 million people live in Bangladesh. About 98% are Bengalis.
Religion: Muslims make up 89.5% of the population. 9.6% are Hindus, and the remainder follow other religions.
Language: Bangla is the Bengali word for Bangladeshi - the native language of 98% of the population.
Government: Republic
Currency: Taka
Time difference: 4 hours (daylight saving time) and +5 (winter time)
Independence: In 1947 British colonial rule in India ended and the country was partitioned into two. Areas where Muslims were the majority became Pakistan, while areas with Hindu majorities became India. Bangladesh became part of Pakistan as the then East Pakistan, while what is now Pakistan was called West Pakistan. In 1971 Bangladesh declared independence from Pakistan and thus achieved sovereignty.