Bangladesh opened its first Textile Innovation Expo in Dhaka on Thursday, a three-day exhibition aimed at strengthening the global competitiveness of the country’s textile and apparel industry through technology, engineering expertise and sustainable manufacturing.
The TIE-ITET Textile Innovation Expo 2026, running until Nov 14 at Hall 8 of the International Convention City Bashundhara, was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by government representatives, industry leaders, manufacturers, development partners and researchers. Guests unveiled an Innovation Storybook documenting innovations from 85 factories and suppliers before cutting the ribbon and touring the stalls.
Organisers said the event features four concurrent exhibitions covering dyeing and printing, textile materials, green and sustainability solutions, and garments and automation. A Factory Innovation Pavilion hosts about 50 factories demonstrating technologies developed within their own production lines, while roughly 200 technology, machinery and solution providers are displaying equipment, materials and automation systems.
Organisers expect about 5,000 high-level visitors in this first edition, including 100 brands and buyers and more than 200 international delegates from over 30 countries. An Open Innovation Area allows universities, researchers and students to present applied research and prototypes, alongside technical seminars and live demonstrations.
Engr. Ehsanul Karim Kaiser, chairman of Textile Innovation Exchange (TIE), who presided over the ceremony, said the event aimed to create a platform where practical innovation, engineering expertise and technological solutions can support industrial development. Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, president of the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, and Dr. Md. Hasib Uddin, a director of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association and the expo’s programme director, were among those present.
A separate Textile Innovation Awards ceremony is scheduled for Nov 13 at Hall 5, recognising achievements across eight categories.
“Bangladesh is not only a cost-effective manufacturing destination but also an innovation-driven textile and apparel industry,” organisers said in a statement.