Habiba Khandakar, founder of Ofra, discusses her mission to bring world-class quality home, eliminating the need for shoppers to look overseas.
In the world of fast-moving fashion, certain brands distinguish themselves not just by what they sell, but by how they sell it. Ofra, steered by founder Habiba Khandakar Chaity, was built on a foundation of confidence and thoughtfulness. Her leadership instincts were honed during her BBA studies and demonstrated early on when she served as a node moderator for Coastal Cleanup with nearly 100 volunteers. For her, Ofra is the fulfilment of a promise she made herself, that Bangladeshi women shouldn’t have to travel abroad for international-calibre elegance.
In 2017, the online launch of Ofra Mart was the first step towards that dream. The immediate success, driven by customers who wished to physically experience the premium products, encouraged Habiba to expand her presence. That dedication now informs every piece offered across the brand portfolio — from the initial online venture, Ofra Mart, to Ofra Outfit, the sophisticated brick-and-mortar destination, and recently, the current premium showcase, Ofra Flagship, situated in Pink City, Gulshan 2.
The brand specialises in statement-making fashion suitable for special events. Every hand-picked piece under Ofra’s label features premium, high-quality materials, including fabrics and embellishments chosen specifically for their look and feel, delivering the kind of superior finish and luxurious texture required for the most important social events. Habiba discovered early in her sourcing trips that while low-cost alternatives sell quickly, only high-quality products build the lasting pillars of trust and satisfaction essential for a sustainable relationship with the client. Her meticulous sourcing ensures that for their investment, customers receive genuine quality. This commitment means that, in this price range, customers acquire products of exceptional value. Satisfaction is guaranteed, as Habiba puts it, regret is simply not a word associated with an Ofra purchase. This unparalleled confidence in the product has built Ofra a fierce loyalty circle that extends across the digital sphere. Many openly and happily vouch for the brand’s quality across the worldwide web, including notable figures such as celebrity Jaya Ahsan.
While premium clothes and high-profile endorsements certainly tell part of the story, the true power behind Ofra is Habiba herself. We go behind the flagship, turn the focus to the owner, Habiba Khandakar Chaity, to learn about the resilience and heart required to lead such a luxury brand in today’s market.
What does “Fashion” truly mean to you, beyond aesthetics?
For me, fashion is certainly more than appearance — it’s about identity, confidence, and self-expression. A beautiful outfit can genuinely transform how a woman feels; it uplifts her spirit and makes her feel utterly seen. My goal has always been to represent Bangladeshi women with such elegance, class, and confidence. I want them to know that Ofra isn’t just a brand, but rather the feeling of confidence we offer. It is about celebrating yourself, your individuality, and your journey. That, honestly, is the true meaning of fashion for us.
In a crowded market, what makes Ofra stand out?
Ofra truly stands out because we simply never compromise on quality. From the very beginning, the foundation of my brand has been trust. Our uniqueness comes from three things: a strong, unwavering commitment to quality-first; a refined sense of taste and selection; and, more importantly, a service mindset that prioritises customer satisfaction above everything. Customers know they’ll receive premium products, meticulously selected and sourced with intention. Whether it’s a handbag, saree, dress, or accessory, we ensure our customers receive the very best option in the market. At Ofra, fashion isn’t just a product — it’s a complete and lovely experience.
What have been some of the bumps in the road, and what did you learn from them?
The retail industry in Bangladesh is highly sensitive to political unrest, and frankly, those have been some of the toughest moments for my business. During unstable times, sales slow down drastically, yet operational costs persist. Many businesses simply cannot survive such periods. We have also navigated economic uncertainty and financial pressure, which taught me the absolute importance of strategic planning, resilience, and adapting rapidly. But the most powerful lesson, the truly lovely one, is the value of support. My family, friends, and many loyal clients stood by me through every challenge. Their trust, encouragement, and genuine warmth became my strength. I remain profoundly grateful for everyone who has stayed with Ofra through both the highs and the lows.
Can you share a specific design that was particularly challenging or rewarding to source, and why?
I’d say one of the most rewarding pieces, simply, is the custom saree worn by the marvellous superstar Jaya Ahsan at the grand opening of Ofra Flagship. Although the saree was crafted by skilled artisans, the final selection was especially curated just for her — naturally keeping her distinctive personality, grace, and artistic aura in mind. We knew the colours, the drape, and the handcrafted blouse had to match her elegance flawlessly. When she wore it, and we saw how beautifully it suited her, that was a truly, truly special moment for me, and for Ofra.
Where do you see your brand evolving in the next 3 to 5 years?
In the next three to five years, I envision Ofra becoming a premier, one-stop lifestyle destination for the whole family. I want our customers to find everything they could possibly need under one roof — be it women’s wear, menswear, children’s wear, accessories, handbags, shoes, occasion wear, or everyday essentials. From daily outfits right through to major celebrations, I want one name, and one name only, to spring to mind: Ofra. We also plan to expand our categories, explore brilliant new collaborations, and, of course, continue uplifting Bangladeshi women through quality, elegance, and confidence. My ultimate dream is for Ofra to become a trusted household name — both locally and internationally. That is the target.