Team “Just Wow” from North South University (NSU) emerged as the champion of the BAYLA Future Summit 2026 Business Case Competition, earning direct job placement opportunities with leading apparel companies within the BAYLA network through the BAYLA Future Leaders initiative, along with Tk 130,000 in prize money. The grand finale and award ceremony was held in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Mentored by Lithe Mohiuddin, the champion team was led by Sarah Mahjabin Rimjhim, with Modhura Kinkini and Souvik Saha Bipro as team members.
The awards were presented during the closing ceremony of the BAYLA Future Summit 2026, where State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj attended as the chief guest, while former BGMEA President Faruque Hassan was present as the special guest.
Addressing the ceremony, Mr Hajjaj underscored the importance of developing industry-ready talent to sustain Bangladesh’s global competitiveness in the apparel sector.
“We want to produce more skilled merchandisers, engineers and designers. The industry should identify the skills it requires at different levels so that relevant training can be integrated into secondary, higher secondary and university education,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between educational institutions and the apparel industry to equip students with practical, job-ready skills from an early stage.
Also Read: AI, Tech Key to Boost Bangladesh Apparel Post-LDC
“If we work together, you will not only expand your family businesses but also contribute to the country’s economic prosperity. The previous generation built a strong foundation for Bangladesh’s apparel industry, and I believe the next generation can take it even further,” he added.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting the sector, Mr Hajjaj said it would continue working closely with industry stakeholders to develop a future-ready workforce. Congratulating all participants, he noted that although only a handful of teams received awards, every participant had demonstrated leadership potential and should continue developing their skills.
Speaking at the event, former BGMEA President Faruque Hassan urged the next generation of apparel entrepreneurs to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), automation, innovation and digitalisation to ensure Bangladesh remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global apparel market.
More than 100 teams from universities across the country participated in the inaugural competition, with the finalists representing the winners of their respective campus rounds.
Team “Wagyu” from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, led by Ishmam Tasdik under the mentorship of Shrafath Hossain, secured the first runner-up position. Team “Vertigo” from Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), led by Farhan Rahman Fahim and mentored by Waeza Masnoon, secured the second runner-up position, while Team “Daijokay” from BRAC University, led by Mizanur Rahman Rafi under the mentorship of Ishtiak Jordge, finished as the third runner-up. Each of the three runner-up teams received Tk 30,000 in prize money.
The finalists were evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising BAYLA President Abrar Hossain Sayem, STTI Project Manager Lisa Ramershoven, Global Fashion Brand Sourcing Analyst Shihabuzzaman, and BUFT Chairman and former BGMEA President Faruque Hassan.
BAYLA President Abrar Hossain Sayem said the BAYLA Future Leaders initiative aims to build a strong bridge between talented graduates from Bangladeshi universities andthe country’s largest export-oriented industry.
“The vision behind BAYLA Future Leaders is to connect young talents with Bangladesh’s apparel industry, creating better career opportunities for the next generation while equipping the industry with the skilled workforce it needs to lead the future. There is still significant untapped potential in the RMG sector, and it can offer graduates rewarding, high-growth careers,” he said.
Hasin Arman (Ayon), First Vice President of BAYLA and Event Director of BAYLA Future Summit & BAYLA Future Leaders 2026, said Bangladesh’s apparel industry has earned global recognition through manufacturing excellence and entrepreneurship, but its next phase of growth will depend on developing capable business leaders.
“While our institutions are producing strong technical professionals, there remains a need to nurture future merchandising directors, marketing directors, CEOs and entrepreneurs. BAYLA Future Leaders 2026 was created to bridge that gap by connecting young talents with industry leaders and equipping them with strategic thinking, leadership skills and global perspectives to shape the future of Bangladesh’s apparel industry. As part of this commitment, the champion team will also receive direct job placement opportunities with leading apparel companies within the BAYLA network, ensuring that exceptional talent is recognized, developed and connected with the industry from day one,” he said.
BAYLA Director Sifat Ishty Islam said the competition was designed to bring a fresh perspective to Bangladesh’s RMG industry by inviting students not only from apparel-related disciplines but also from business, economics, computer science, social sciences, humanities and other academic backgrounds.
“We believe the future of the industry will be shaped not only by technical expertise but also by innovation, technology, branding and new ways of thinking,” he said. He said the business case challenged participants to answer a key question: How can Bangladesh move beyond competing on price and create greater value in the global market?
“From national branding and AI-driven buyer engagement to storytelling and digital transformation, we encouraged participants to develop practical, implementable solutions that can contribute to the industry’s long-term growth,” he added.