Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Japanese clothing chain Uniqlo will open its first two stores in the capital Dhaka on Friday  to attract the country’s growing middle class, providing them with locally-produced high quality comfortable clothing at affordable prices. 
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Shiro Sadoshima and Fast Retailing Group Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Grameen Uniqlo Yukihiro Nitta will jointly open the two outlets – first at Elephant Road and then at Banasree in the city, a company announcement said.
The new Grameen UNIQLO stores feature UNIQLO’s signature “beauty in hyper practicality” – tailored to the specific needs of Bangladesh. 
Fast Retailing, which owns Uniqlo, has teamed up with Grameen Healthcare run by Nobel Peace laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, to initially open two stores in the capital as part of their long-term commitment to address poverty, hygiene, the environment, and educational and gender inequality in the fast growing nation. 
The stores offer a range of 32 items for men and ten for women, for between US$ 2.50 and US$ 15.50, according to the announcement.
“Grameen UNIQLO produces the collection in Bangladesh using locally sourced materials, providing highly practical items in a range of colors made from soft and stretchy synthetic fibers (such as polyester and polyurethane) – made by locals, for locals,” it noted.
In 2010, Grameen UNIQLO began producing quality, comfortable clothing in Bangladesh at affordable prices, for local economically disadvantaged communities. “Any profits generated have been reinvested to build the business, improving the quality of life and achieving financial independence for these communities.” 
BBN/SSR/AD-04July13-9:42 pm (BST)