The event included a workshop and idea-generation competition centered on circular textile innovations, with 20 groups competing to present creative, sustainable concepts. Participants showcased innovative ideas targeting waste reduction, resource reuse, and environmentally friendly transformation of traditional textile processes.

Prof. Dr. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan, Pro Vice-Chancellor of BUFT, attended the event, engaging with participants throughout the workshop. He also led the award-giving ceremony, recognizing the students’ commitment to sustainable solutions. This Textile Hack series is set to make a substantial impact on advancing circular economy practices in Bangladesh’s textile industry, inspiring young talents to drive a more eco-conscious, resource-efficient future.

The post Textile Hack: Circular Economy for Textile Industry 2024 Launched with BUFT’s Inaugural Roadshow appeared first on Textile Focus.

At present global RMG market value is around 1000 billion USD. By exporting about 165 billion USD China is in top rank now. As you know, Bangladesh is holding 2nd position by exporting RMG products of 48 billion USD.

Alhamdulillah. We Bangladeshi are so grateful to almighty Allah. We have received following valuable gifts from Almighty Allah: –                             

1. Workforce:

Here in Bangladesh, there is abundant and cost-effective workforce.

• Position in world map:

Our mother land is at very favorable position in the world map having suitable sea ports & Bay of Bengal.                        

• Availability of raw materials:

Here necessary raw materials can be arranged from domestic sources & neighbor countries easily.  

Moreover, the highest number of LEED certified Green Factory is in Bangladesh. Beside this, there are a lot of fully compliance and semi compliance factories (around 8000) with many lacs skilled & trained employees. Despite of above-mentioned special & rare facilities we have captured only 11% of total RMG market. So, we have vast opportunity to expand our export business largely onward.     

• Actually, assigned so called in charges of our country do focus to take merely the taste of the cream of RMG business. But none of us think of making Merchandisers. A Merchandiser is a shadow of business owner in a word. He is the highest responsible personnel & the most important decision maker of the industry.  Around 84% export earning comes through RMG Sector. Factory managements want more and more RMG export orders for feeding of their production lines.          
• Kindly be noted clearly, only merchandiser can bring export orders from overseas customers. Each year Bangladesh needs a lot of merchandisers. Overseas buyers also need more and more high salaried brilliant merchandisers for taking care of their RMG programs. But sorry to say that there is no public university in Bangladesh which can teach & create Merchandisers. So, we are requesting University Grant Commission to include the subject “Merchandising” in IBA of DU, JU, RU etc. From so called private universities we are not getting knowledgeable freshers.

So same time we (group of experience merchandisers & buying house owners) are trying to build up a specialized university named BARC Business University (BBU). It will try to create international standard Merchandiser.

The post Below reasons cause to set up university appeared first on Textile Focus.

Education is considered an indispensable tool for human development. The rational growth of an individual is expected to be accelerated through receiving education. But in many instances, education may not accomplish what we universally claim unless it equips the individuals with knowledge and skills crucial for personal and professional growth. Across the world, the skills gap is leaving millions of youths unprepared for the job market despite their education.

The report published by the World Economic Forum-2024 claims that fifty percent of today’s global workforce needs to upskill or reskill to stay relevant. It also projects the figure to be at ninety percent by 2030if the issue remains unaddressed, resulting in a staggering global GDP loss of 15 trillion US dollar.  In Bangladesh it is worth noticing that over the years we have seen a quantitative progress in the education sector stating the widespread accessibility of the people of different socio-economic context to education with high enrollment at primary and secondary level of education.  Besides, the higher education in public universities and colleges affiliated with national university, privatization of tertiary education has opened up new possibilities contributing significantly for inclusive education. But the question may be pertinent to raise; what will we do with the revolution in education when it fails to equip learners with pragmatic life skills? 
However, in the era of digitalization, how far it would be rational to confine the learners to the traditional education setup where the world prioritizes competence-based education to mitigate the challenges in the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Internet of Things. Given the advances in technology and artificial intelligence, skill-based education has been instrumental.

Skill-based education is an approach emphasizing the development of one’s practical skills required to thrive in their chosen field. It goes beyond traditional knowledge-based learning focusing on theory and information. It aims at transforming knowledge into skills and learning into insight contributing significantly to align with the technological era and empowering students with the expertise the employers seek in a rapidly evolving global landscape. It not only shows the individuals the way of livelihood but also accelerates holistic development of a nation.
In the global landscape the countries such as Singapore, Switzerland, and South Korea have emerged as the pioneers of vocational education and training where other countries have considered them models to emulate. But these days in terms of prioritizing skill-based learning in the mainstream of education European countries have reached at the top of the index. They have successfully incorporated vocational training in the education system contributing to high employment and robust economies.
The Global Education Report-2022 states that in case of ranking for skill-based education Finland remains the top with a score of 84.8 followed by Sweden with a score of 84.3. out of 100. New Zealand and Singapore have appeared as third and fourth respectively in the ranking while the Netherlands have secured the fifth in the ranking. Besides, Germany, Japan, and Australia have scored between 60 to 73 in terms of the implementation of skill-based education while only 14 percent students of Bangladesh have received technical qualifications corresponding to a dire circumstance of the skill-based education in the country. 
In Bangladesh in recent years, we have seen the growth of enrollment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). The country has realized TVET as the vital tool for economic development. Following its graduation to middle income country in 2026 and upper middle income one by 2031, the country has set some strategies emphasizing skill-based and technology-centered education that are supposed to uplift many indicators of achieving SDGs and help to build knowledge economy. However, plans and policies can hardly benefit us unless these are not implemented effectively. 
Studies have revealed that skill mismatch has contributed to escalating youth unemployment in the country. The scenario is more frustrating amid the educated youth. According to the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) study, more than one-third of the total youth labor force in Bangladesh with higher education is unemployed. A recent report published in an English daily reveal that around 30% of Bangladeshi graduates are unemployed due to the education system emphasizing theoretical knowledge and neglecting practical skills necessary for employability.  It is good to see that 65% of the country’s population falls in the category of the working age group.  But in many cases, we have failed to reap the benefits of it for staying them unutilized for years due to existing skill gaps and mismatches. According to the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), 96% of the population lacks essential skills impacting production sectors significantly. 
However, harmonious development of a country is completely centered on how it has the ability to exploit its manpower. Upon this circumstance skill-based education should be at the forefront for creating a skilled workforce that drives innovation and economic growth and lays the strong base for achieving SDGs. So, let us take concerted efforts to prioritize skill-based education and training crucial for creating a sustainable future for all.

The writer is Vice Chancellor (D) of Prime University

The post Skill-based education imperative for attaining SDGs appeared first on Textile Focus.

Globally, only 10 outstanding individuals are awarded with this scholarship for IMS programme. This year, Anneysha is the only Bangladeshi among the 10 individuals to receive this prestigious award. The IMS programme is a collaboration between the University of Applied Sciences BonnRhine-Sieg, the University of Bonn and the Deutsche Welle (DW) Akademie.

The DAAD scholarship is known for its rigorous selection process, recognizing individuals who demonstrate outstanding academic and professional achievements. It offers more benefits than other scholarships in Germany and students selected gets the following benefits:

• Tuition fees and examination fees
• Monthly allowance (Masters-934 Euros)
• Tickets for flights
• Health insurance
• Provision of house rent and monthly allowance for family members

DAAD, under its Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (EPOS) programme offers individual scholarships to participants from developing countries which are closely linked to practical experience. As a scholarship recipient, she will benefit from a range of support services, including academic mentoring, professional networking opportunities, and access to Germany’s leading institutions and resources. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates media development, journalism, and communication studies with a strong focus on international perspectives and practices.

Anneysha’s academic journey began with a graduation in Agriculture from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), followed by a Master of Development Studies from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). She has a robust background in development work, having contributed to prominent organizations such as the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), UNICEF Bangladesh & ActionAid Bangladesh. Currently, she is making significant impacts in her role at an international organization focusing communication and policy advocacy.

As Bangladesh prepares for its graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) status in 2026, this transition presents both opportunities and challenges that necessitate robust media and development strategies. With Bangladesh’s anticipated LDC graduation, Anneysha is poised to make significant contributions towards enhancing development communication, strengthening media practices, fostering international cooperation & supporting policy development. Her future contributions are anticipated to play a pivotal role in the country’s development narrative, particularly in the realms of media and international cooperation.

The post Bangladeshi Development Professional Anneysha Awarded DAAD Scholarship for Master’s Program in Deutsche Welle Akademie appeared first on Textile Focus.

The event, held at the TECN Museum on January 24 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Textile Suppliers Ltd. Textile Focus sponsored the accompanying magazine.

The TECN Fabric Say 2024 was divided into two parts; the event showcased a variety of fabrics and featured a Textile Upcycle Competition, where old garments were ingeniously transformed into handbags, pillows, water bottle bags, shoes, and wall art.

A standout feature was the uniquely crafted event banner by Md. Moinul Islam Bijoy is a “TECN Fabric Day 2024” laser print banner made from denim fabric. Sponsored by Textile Suppliers Ltd., and with support from Textile Focus, the exhibition was a testament to the collaborative spirit within the textile industry.

Under the guidance of Zakaria Alam Jiku Sir, a faculty member at Textile Engineering College Noakhali, around 1700 fabric samples were collected from 197 mills and companies, including renowned names like Square Denim, Argon Denim, Azlan Denim, Thermax Check Fabrics, JCtex, Liberty Knitwear, and more.

The fabric exhibition, held at the TECN Museum on January 24 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, received overwhelming support from fabric specialists across various companies, such as Raihan Ahmed, Al Imran, Rashedur Rahman Setu, Fahad Tuhin, Zia Uddin, Ajijul Hawladar, and many others.

In response to high demand from students and campus authorities, the event was extended for an additional day. The success of “TECN Fabric Day 2024” wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of the TECN Science and Innovation Club, the fabric specialists, and the support of all teachers and the Hon’ble Principal.

The post TECN Fabric Day 2024: A Great Initiative by TECN Science and Innovation Club appeared first on Textile Focus.

To create skilled manpower and entrepreneurs in Ready-Made Garment Industry Department of Apparel Manufacturing & Technology was established in 2000 at BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT), Bangladesh. Virtuous reputation has spread globally of the Department and the University for Entrepreneurship and skill manpower creation.

In continuation of this, on 24 January 2024, AMT221 and AMT222 batch students organized a Seminar on- “Smart Education in the Emerging Digital Era for RMG Leaders” with an Exhibition on- “Garments Cutting Floor Layout and Seam Identification” to exhibit their manual and virtual layout on cutting floor with advanced apparel manufacturing process, where anti-narcotics campaigning have also been conducted. Mr. A.T.M. Mohibullah, Assistant Professor & Assistant Proctor (Member Secretary) supervised the entire program effectively.

Later the Seminars on Digital Education were held in the multipurpose hall of BUFT. Professor Dr. Eng. Ayub Nabi Khan, Pro-Vice Chancellor, BUFT was present as the opening speaker.

Mr. Shafiul Islam (Mohiuddin), Chairman, BoT, Former Member of Parliament was present as a distinguished guest of Honour. Mr. Ferdous Zaman Tuhin, Secretary, University Grant Commission (UGC) was present as Keynote Speaker and Mr. Omar Faruque, Director, UGC was present as an honourable guest. Prof. Dr. S.M. Mahfuzur Rahman, Vice Chancellor BUFT was present as Chair of the program.

Treasurer of BUFT, Prof. Dr. Mohammed Rubaiyat Chowdhury (Dean, FAS),  Deans of other faculties, Controller, Director of IQAC, Proctor, Director of Students Welfare, Head of AMT and other all department Heads were present in the seminar as honourable guest. All faculty members and administrative staff also were present in the seminar.

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr.  Eng. Ayub Nabi Khan delivered a welcome speech, mentioning that we are already preparing students emphasizing soft skills to meet the growing demands of RMG and Textile Industry. He also said, “There is no substitute of technological apparel learning” to sustain Global Apparel Business.

Keynote Speakerof the program Mr. Ferdous Zaman, Secretary, University Grant Commission (UGC)discussed Govt. initiatives on Digital Bangladesh; Smart cities, smart agriculture, smart healthcare, smart education, smart energy, smart governance and smart institutions with the ultimate goal of creating a more successful, impartial, and sustainable future. He also praised the digital education aptitude of BUFT. He also mentioned that BUFT ranks fourth in Bangladesh based on the permanent campus among private Universities and also one of the best university termed as the backbone of creating skilled manpower in Bangladesh due to having specialized departments on Apparel sector.

Guest of Honour UGC Director, Mr. Md. Omar Faruque emphasizes research on apparel and textiles. He also appreciated the Anti-drug activities and campaigns of AMT students.

Vice Chancellor BUFT, Prof. Dr. S.M. Mahfuzur Rahman motivated students to make important contributions to the Garments Sector. He also highlighted the highest position of BUFT ranked on UGC in online teaching on digital platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Distinguished guest of honour Mr. Shafiul Islam (Mohiuddin), Chairman, BoT, Former Member of Parliament explores the ever-changing landscape of fashion and technology, and discuss the significance of BUFT’s Research Institute on Smart Textile and Apparel Product Development in the Ready-Made Garment Industry. He has also inaugurated an online campaign on “Proud to be an AMT-ian”

Prof. Dr. Mohammed Rubaiyat Chowdhury (Dean, FAS), expressed gratitude on behalf of the University and ended the seminar by thanking the organizers of the event.

Later manual and virtual exhibition was celebrated with the participation of a large number of students of AMT. The combined effort of the seminars and exhibitions is to highlight the technological advancements in the apparel industry of Bangladesh. Emphasizing apparel-specialized education will solve the skill manpower problem in Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garments sector.

BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) is providing holistic education aimed at making the apparel industry smart and sustainable to meet the needs of the global market.

The post Seminar on “Smart Education in Emerging Digital Age for RMG Leaders” and Exhibition on “Cutting Floor Layout and seam Identification” at AMT, BUFT appeared first on Textile Focus.

The event is a pivotal initiative aimed at empowering and advancing the RMG sector in Bangladesh, said a press conference today.

The summit aims to serve as a catalyst for fostering connections between a pool of highly talented and experienced candidates, including distinguished university graduates, and the foremost companies in the RMG industry.

The BGMEA President came up with the assurance at the press conference marking a two-day BGMEA Career Summit and Fest-2023 to be started on December 23 at its auditorium in the capital.
BGMEA president alos said at Press Conference,
“There is no issue to impose sanctions against Bangladesh by the USA government now. However, we have no labour laws violation. Besides, Bangladesh exports its RMG goods to USA market paying the highest duty. So there is no possibility of imposing trade sanctions, and no logical issue for this,” Faruque said.

He said the USA business firms export their cottons to Bangladesh without any duty.

The BGMEA chief urged all buyers including the USA to pay ethical and fair prices for RMG products made in Bangladesh.

The post First Ever BGMEA Career Summit & Fest 2023 on December 23-24 appeared first on Textile Focus.

The Hult Prize is a world-wide popular global competition which challenges the youths to solve the world’s most pressing facts by creating intellectual and revolutionary social ventures. Here worldwide University students can show their startups about some challenging global issues that align with the UN sustainable development goals such as food security, sustainable food production, early childhood education etc. Each year more than 100000 youth participate in the Hult Prize in 120+ countries all around the globe to create a positive impact.

Theme of Hult Prize for Session 2023-24

Generally, the Hult Prize takes place on a particular theme which is SDG-aligned. For example, the Hult Prize had their theme of sustainable and cruelty-free leather to bring more sustainability to the clothing and fashion industry. But this year students can pitch any idea they have for a social enterprise, but it should be aligned with at least one of the SDG goals of UN.

Opportunities of Hult Prize at CTEC

There will be some certain reasons why University students should participate in the Hult Prize. A student can get the opportunities to express their startups and explore entrepreneurial ideas in front of the world. By participating on this stage, Students can increase their networking skills and global recognition. There will be Prize money and certificates for the participants & organizing members. Again, the Hult Prize enhanced several grooms’ sessions inclusion free Workshops. Besides endless opportunities to learn more and present themselves.

Hult Prize at CTEC for First Time During Corona Pendemic

The first Hult Prize On Campus program was maidenly organised at Textile Engineering College Zorargonj, Chattogram (CTEC) in session 2020-21 under the leadership of Founding Campus Director Abdullah Al Jaman Shanto & Head of operation Najim uddin Mahmud.

Hult Prize at CTEC Returns for Second Time

In this grandiose occasion, Textile Engineering College Zorargonj, Chattogram (CTEC) is hosting the renowned competition for the second time with bringing together innovative minds and fostering entrepreneurial sprits led by Current Campus Director Mohammed Alauddin and Deputy Campus Director Nazmur Rabbani. Their combined efforts have been undoubtedly praiseworthy in bringing this prestigious event back to the campus. The Chief Advisor of Hult prize CTEC is very honorable Engr. Md. Ali Azam Rokon (Principle, CTEC) Sir.

Collaboration with Clubs

Hult prize CTEC community having overwhelming collaboration with CTEC Career Club, English club, Debating Club & Gasforing.

Sponsors and Media Partners of Hult prize at CTEC The media partners are Chalman New York, Textile Today, Textile Focus, The Daily Unsattar, The Dainik Ain Adalot Protidin, and The Daily Shangu. The printing Sponsors are Printology & TS Printers. Food sponsor is KAHF.

The post Hult Prize Back for Second Time at Textile Engineering College, Zorarganj (CTEC) appeared first on Textile Focus.

BARD (Butex Association of Rangpur Division) is a student welfare organization which not only provides overall support to students from Rangpur division but also provides overall support to students from all over Bangladesh.The main slogan of the career summit is “NAVIGATE YOUR CAREER”

Jamal Kushal (President, Student Welfare Association) and Sazzadul Islam Shamim (General Secretary, Student Welfare Association) gave a warm welcome to the guests in this event.

Then Mohammad Tanveer Ahmed (Assistant Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka) spoke. He presented the main points of his career to the students. He said “Not to prepare for BCS before third year while in university. Because during this time students suffer a lot of depression.” He asked to prepare for BCS only after fourth year or fourth year.

 Then Engineer Md. Azhar Ali (Chief Operating Officer, Salma Group) spoke. He encouraged ordinary students about spinning. He said earlier ordinary students did not want to get jobs in spinning. But currently the condition of spinning in Bangladesh is very good. Currently starting salary in spinning sector is 30 thousand taka.

Then Engineer Mohammad Salim Akhtar Khan (Director, Textai Division) spoke. He encouraged common students to develop all skills. He highlighted the importance of Excel and emphasized on infographic presentation. Then Engineer Md. Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury (Senior Advisor, Far East Textile and Clothing) talked about dyeing. He shared with the students the prospects on the textile dyeing sector.

It is noted that the participation preparation of general students can be observed in the said summit. They expressed that they would greatly benefit if such career summits were held at Butex in future.

The post BARD ORGANIZED A CAREER SUMMIT IN BUTEX appeared first on Textile Focus.

The event had our honorable chief guest Prof. Dr. Shah Alimuzzaman, Vice-Chancellor, BUTEX. Furthermore, The event had some special guests Dr. Hosne Ara Begum, Dean of the Textile Engineering Department at BUTEX; Dr. Md. Abbas Uddin Shiyak, The Moderator of BUTEX Career Club; and Dr. Md Reajul Islam, Head of the Yarn Engineering Department & President of the BUTEX Teachers’ Association

The main speakers at this seminar included Helena Domenech, Vice President of Recover People and Talent Division; Towhid Hasan, Regional Head of Technical Support in the Recover Business Development Division; Md Muyeed Hasan, Country Sales Manager in the Recover Business Development Division; Mariya Parvin, Quality Assurance Manager in Recover; and Arafat Al Islam Khan, Country People and Talent Manager.

The seminar began with a presentation by Md. Muyeed Hasan, where he shared comprehensive information about their company. Helena Domenech and Arafat Al Islam Khan then highlighted the opportunities and benefits that Recover offers to BUTEX students. Towhid Hasan shared his experiences working with the company including providing valuable insights to the students. Lastly, Mariya Parvin advised the fresh graduates on career choices and professionalism. The presentation concluded with a question-and-answer session for the students.

As a special guest, Dr. Md Abbas Uddin Shiyak expressed his appreciation for Recovery’s factory visit and emphasized the significance of recycling in Bangladesh. Another guest, Dr. Md. Reajul Islam, discussed how Recover’s initiative would create a new sector for BUTEX students and emphasized the importance of recycling.

Answering a journalist’s question, BUTEX Career Club President Tanvir Ahamed Fahad mentioned that ‘Recover is conducting a seminar in Bangladesh for the first time among global companies. He also mentioned that Recover would provide job opportunities and internships for the 44th and 45th batches of fresh graduates and highlighted the significant prospects for those interested in sustainability or circular fashion.’

At the end of the event, BUTEX Career Club gave crests to the invited guests as a token of gratitude.

Notably, Recover is a global company that manufactures recycled cotton fibers from textile waste. Its journey began in 1947 with the motto “Circular Fashion for All”.

The post BUTEX Career Club organized seminar on Recover™ Employer Branding Strategy appeared first on Textile Focus.