Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector is taking a decisive step toward a more innovation-led future with the official launch of the Textile Innovation Exchange (TIE), a new platform aimed at embedding research, collaboration and technological advancement into the industry’s core operations.
The initiative was unveiled at a ceremony held at the Ballroom of Le Méridien Dhaka, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, academics, innovators and development partners under a shared vision of transforming innovation into a measurable and repeatable practice across the sector.
The program began with a welcome address by Engr. Md. Shamsuzzaman, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the TIE Grand Launching Program, who highlighted the need to institutionalize innovation through structured collaboration between industry and academia.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, Honourable Minister of the Ministries of Industries, Textiles and Jute, and Commerce of the Government of Bangladesh. Prof. Dr. Engr. Md. Zulhash Uddin, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh University of Textiles, attended the program as the Guest of Honour.
Muktadir emphasized that Bangladesh’s textile sector must prioritize research, innovation and sustainable adaptability to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding global market. He stressed the importance of optimizing utilities and resource efficiency, noting that industries unable to adapt to evolving standards risk falling behind in the global value chain.
Prof. Zulhash Uddin underscored the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry, stating that platforms like TIE can accelerate industrial research in areas such as new material development, reduction of chemical usage and cost optimization. He added that stronger collaboration can help translate academic knowledge into practical industrial solutions.
Special guests included Inamul Haq Khan, Abdullah Al Mamun, Md. Abdul Hamid, and Engr. Md. Enayet Hossain, reflecting strong representation from across the textile and apparel ecosystem.
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During the event, a corporate video of the Textile Innovation Exchange was unveiled, followed by a presentation by Tareq Amin, who highlighted the alignment between TIE and the Textile Today Innovation Hub and outlined plans to scale innovation-driven collaboration across the industry.
Organizers also announced upcoming initiatives, including PIIC Season 1 and the Textile Innovation Expo 2026, which are expected to provide platforms for showcasing technological advancements, research outputs and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Ehsanul Karim Kaiser emphasized the importance of building a unified innovation ecosystem to support Bangladesh’s long-term competitiveness in the global textile and apparel market. He noted that fragmented efforts would not be sufficient to meet the scale of transformation required.
Dr. Md. Hasib Uddin also addressed the audience, calling for stronger research-based collaboration and practical innovation initiatives that can be implemented at the factory level to deliver measurable impact.
A major highlight of the event was the introduction of the Textile Innovation Exchange Board, comprising prominent leaders from Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry and academia. Members include Engr. Ehsanul Karim Kaiser; Engr. Saiful Islam Khan; Engr. Md. Shamsuzzaman; Prof. Dr. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan; Dr. Md. Hasib Uddin; Engr. Hafizur Rahman Nixon; Engr. ATM Mahbubul Alam; Engr. Shafiur Rahman; Engr. Md. Azhar Ali; and Engr. ASM Tareq Amin.
Industry stakeholders said the formation of such a diverse board reflects a growing recognition of the need for structured innovation governance, particularly as global buyers demand greater sustainability, transparency and technological integration across supply chains.
The event concluded with a memento presentation, a group photo session and a networking luncheon, where participants exchanged ideas on future collaboration in sustainable innovation, advanced manufacturing technologies and digital transformation. Organizers expressed optimism that the Textile Innovation Exchange will play a transformative role in connecting research, innovation and industry practices, helping Bangladesh strengthen its position as a global hub for textile and apparel manufacturing.
