The Dhaka University Alumni Apparel Foundation (DUAAF) formally inducted its newly elected executive committee for the 2025–2027 term on January 16, at a ceremony in Dhaka that brought together senior figures from Bangladesh’s garment and textile industry, along with alumni and institutional representatives.
The oath-taking and networking programme underscored DUAAF’s ambition to serve as a professional bridge between the academic legacy of Dhaka University and Bangladesh’s globally significant apparel sector, at a time when the industry is navigating rising costs, regulatory pressure and rapid structural change.
The event opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem. Participants observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Begum Khaleda Zia, widely regarded as a key figure in Bangladesh’s democratic journey, as well as the martyrs of the July uprising.
In the welcome remarks, Mustafizur Rahman, Vice President of DUAAF and Deputy General Manager of Bitopi Group, highlighted Bangladesh’s position as the world’s second-largest apparel exporter and home to most of the world’s top green garment factories. He said the industry’s global standing was built on resilience, compliance and sustainability, but warned that stronger leadership and institutional collaboration were essential to protect competitiveness amid rising costs and tighter global regulations.
Also Read: DUAAF Announces Its Full Executive Committee for 2025–2027
The central moment of the event was the oath-taking of the DUAAF Executive Committee for 2025–2027. The oath was administered in the presence of senior industry leaders, with former BGMEA president and managing director of Giant Group, Faruque Hasan, attending as a chief guest figure. The newly inducted committee pledged to uphold DUAAF as a non-political, non-communal and non-profit platform, committed to transparency, accountability and service to the apparel and textile sector both at home and abroad.
In the presidential address, DUAAF President AKM Shoaib, who is also chief executive officer of Mingda (Bangladesh) New Material Co. Ltd., outlined a forward-looking vision aimed at elevating DUAAF’s role in shaping industry leadership. He said the foundation would focus on skills, governance and global engagement to help industry professionals navigate rapid technological change and evolving labour market dynamics.
In his speech as chief guest, Faruque Hasan noted that most raw materials used in garment production are not produced domestically. Bangladesh does not produce cotton and remains one of the world’s largest cotton importers, making the industry increasingly vulnerable as production and input costs continue to rise.
He emphasized that while the country may lack raw material self-sufficiency, it possesses a strong demographic dividend that must be leveraged through reskilling and upskilling the workforce to offset higher costs through productivity gains.
Drawing a comparison, Faruque Hasan said that China, after decades of a one-child policy, is now taking steps to increase its population, whereas Bangladesh’s strategic priority should be to skill its population, enhance efficiency, and move up the value chain to remain competitive.
Also Read: Capturing High-Margin Fashion: Bangladesh’s Strategy
A detailed presentation by Sultan Mahbubul Haque, Head of Human Resources and Administration at SQUARE Textiles Division, set out DUAAF’s strategic roadmap and its intended future role in the apparel industry. He stressed the importance of aligning human capital development with sustainability and compliance expectations from international buyers.
Sultan Mahbubul Haque said, “We aim to position DUAAF as a knowledge and resource hub, bringing together professionals from all segments of the apparel value chain. Over time, government bodies and allied organisations will increasingly engage with DUAAF as they come to recognise this collective strength. With this foundation, DUAAF has the potential to emerge as an influential platform—supporting Bangladesh’s transition from a cost-driven to a value-driven apparel industry.”
The discussion then moved into a panel session moderated by Sultan Mahbubul Haque, focusing on leadership, labour market regulation and governance challenges in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Panelists included Mahmud Alam Shipon, Chief Operating Officer of Bitopi Group; AKM Shoaib in his dual role as DUAAF President and Industry Executive; Tareq Amin, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Bangladesh Textile Today; and Nasimul Gani, a DUAAF Member and technical management professional from a leading apparel company. Speakers highlighted growing pressure on factories to balance cost, compliance and workforce wellbeing, calling for more coordinated policy and industry action.
The formal programme concluded with a cultural segment, a vote of thanks by DUAAF General Secretary Arafatul Islam, and a dinner and networking session that brought together alumni, executives and stakeholders from across the apparel value chain.
Organisers said the event marked a renewed commitment by DUAAF—founded in 2019 as a network of University of Dhaka alumni working across apparel manufacturing, sourcing and textiles—to contribute more actively to policy dialogue, leadership development and the sustainable transformation of an industry that remains the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy.
