Research, AI key to sustaining BD’s textile leadership

Bangladesh must intensify research, innovation and technological advancement in the textile sector to preserve its position in the global market and progress towards becoming a world leader in the industry, Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon said on Saturday.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 4th International Conference on Textile Science and Engineering (ICTSE-2026) at the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) in Tejgaon as chief guest, the minister emphasised the importance of adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and environmentally sustainable textile technologies across the ready-made garment (RMG) industry.

Describing the textile and garment sector as the backbone of the national economy, Milon said approximately six million workers are engaged in the industry, with women accounting for a significant share of the workforce.

While Bangladesh currently ranks as the world’s second-largest garment exporter, the country remains heavily reliant on imported raw materials, he noted. To lessen this dependence and maintain competitiveness against major textile-producing countries including China, Vietnam, India and Pakistan, he said Bangladesh must identify new opportunities through research and innovation.

The minister said the integration of digitalisation and AI would not eliminate jobs in the garment sector.
Instead, these technologies would contribute to improving product quality, generating innovative designs and strengthening international marketing efforts through creative approaches.

He also highlighted the need to expand environmentally friendly textile practices and recycling systems to mitigate the effects of climate change and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Recalling the rich legacy of Dhaka’s renowned muslin fabric, Milon stressed the importance of reviving this historic heritage through the application of modern science and technology.

To reduce environmental pollution, he urged greater use of biodegradable jute bags as an alternative to synthetic and polythene bags. Referring to government initiatives, he said jute-made school bags would be distributed among primary school students nationwide under the Prime Minister’s directive.

The minister also reviewed the development of BUTEX, noting that the institution’s formal transition from a college to a university began in 2006. He said its graduates have gone on to become successful professionals, entrepreneurs and industrialists, making substantial contributions to the country’s economy.

Students with textile education backgrounds are also achieving notable success in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), police administration and politics. Calling for further improvements in textile education, he urged private universities to establish modern laboratories and raise academic standards to international levels.

The event was chaired by BUTEX Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Md. Julhas Uddin. University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed attended as the special guest, while teachers, researchers and students from home and abroad participated in the conference.

Earlier, the minister inaugurated the BUTEX Tree Plantation Programme 2026 under a nationwide initiative aimed at planting 25 crore trees over the next five years.