The 6th Textile Research Conference (TRC 2025), jointly organized by the Centre for Research & Innovation in Science, Arts & Technology (CRISAT) and Southeast University (SEU), concluded on Saturday (1 November ) in Dhaka, spotlighting the growing synergy of research, innovation, and education in Bangladesh’s textile sector.
Held under the theme “Bangladesh Textile Sector after 25 Years: The Role of Research & Innovation,” the day-long event gathered academics, industry leaders, and young researchers to explore how creativity, knowledge, and technology can shape the future of one of the country’s most vital industries.
The plenary session began with a welcome address from Professor Engr. Mashud Ahmed, Chairman of the Department of Textile Engineering at SEU and former Vice Chancellor of BUTEX.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Abu Sadat M. Sayem, Founder of CRISAT, reflected on TRC’s evolution since its inception in 2012.
“Over the past decade, TRC has become a bridge between research and real-world practice,” said Dr. Sayem. “Our goal is to nurture a generation of textile professionals who can think critically, innovate sustainably, and lead globally. The textile sector’s next phase will depend on how effectively we connect knowledge, technology, and industry collaboration.”
Distinguished guests included Prof. Dr. Ayub Nabi Khan, Acting Vice Chancellor of BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT); Engr. Ehsanul Karim Kaiser, Convenor of the Interim Committee of the Institution of Textile Engineers and Technologists (ITET); and Professor Dr. Md. Zulhash Uddin, Vice Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX), who attended as Chief Guest.
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The session was co-chaired by Professor M. Mofazzal Hossain, PhD, Pro Vice Chancellor of Southeast University, and chaired by Professor Yusuf Mahbubul Islam, PhD, Vice Chancellor of Southeast University.
Technical Session 1: Textile Innovation, Research, and Education
The first technical session, titled “Textile Innovation, Research and Education,” featured a series of thought-provoking presentations, including:
Dr. Sweety Shahinur, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute — “Effect of Stacking Sequence on the Rheological Criteria for Natural Fibre Composites.”
Abdullah Sayam, Bangladesh University of Textiles — “Fabric Touch Testing and Microfibre Shedding Tendency of Fleece Fabrics.”
Dr. Md. Fazley Elahi, Head of R&D at DBL Group — “Advancing Textile Research and Development in Bangladesh: Current Trends, Challenges, and Future Prospects.”
Dr. S. M. Azizul Hoque, Textile Vocational Institute, Munshiganj — “Process from Traditional to Digital: Evolution of Textile Printing and Its Future Market Dynamics.”
Professor Dr. Mohammad Forhad Hossain, BUTEX — “Quality Education and Accreditation.”
The session was chaired by Professor A. N. M. Ahmed Ullah, PhD, of Southeast University, who emphasized the need for stronger industry-academia collaboration.
“Our textile graduates must be more than technically skilled—they must be problem-solvers and innovators,” he said. “Bangladesh’s global leadership in textiles will only be sustained if we invest in research-based education and digital transformation.”
Technical Session 2 and Prize-Giving Ceremony
Following the lunch break, Technical Session 2 and the Prize-Giving Ceremony brought fresh energy and creativity to the conference.
The CRISAT–ASUTEX Research Competition for Textile & Fashion Students 2025 showcased groundbreaking projects from university finalists across the country.
Engr. Mahbubul Alam Milton, Executive Director of Masco Group, delivered a keynote address on “Textile Future Outlook: How Young Innovators Will Shape the Next Industrial Revolution in Bangladesh.”
Presentations included “Slow Fashion in Bangladesh: A Study on Young Adult Consumers’ Purchase Intention” by Urmila Mukhtar Jeny (BUFT) and Dr. Ghada Soliman (University of Manchester), as well as a virtual talk by Dr. Yuyuan Shi of Northumbria University titled “Yarn-to-Apparel: 3D Weaving Innovation for Waste-Free Apparel Production.”
The conference concluded with a Digital Catwalk by the CRISAT Digital Fashion Research Group, showcasing sustainable and technology-driven fashion concepts.
Special guests Md. Anis-Ur Rahman (Country Manager, ASUTEX) and Dr. Kamruzzaman Kaiser (Director, Micro Fiber Group) joined the Prize-Giving Ceremony, where outstanding student innovators were honored for their research excellence.
The event wrapped up with a group photo and a vote of thanks, marking another successful milestone in CRISAT’s ongoing mission to promote research-driven growth in Bangladesh’s textile and fashion industries.
Since its inception, the Textile Research Conference has served as a vital bridge between academia and industry—a platform where innovation meets practical impact. TRC 2025 reaffirmed that legacy, spotlighting Bangladesh’s next generation of textile innovators poised to lead the future of sustainable manufacturing.
