BUFT hosts 7th Textile Research Conference 2026

BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) hosted the 7th BUFT–CRISAT Textile Research Conference (TRC) 2026 on 31 October at its auditorium in Nishatnagar, Turag, Dhaka, bringing together local and international academics, researchers, industry leaders and professionals to explore research, innovation and sustainable development in the textile and apparel sector.

The conference opened with a welcome address by Prof Engr Mohammed Rubaiyat Chowdhury, Dean of the Faculty of Apparel Studies at BUFT, according to a press release.

The opening address was delivered by Dr Abu Sadat M Sayem, founder of CRISAT and program leader (Textile) at Loughborough University, UK.

Prof Mamun Ahmed, chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, attended the event as the chief guest.

The special guests included Mesbha Uddin Ali, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of BUFT. The conference was chaired by Prof Engr Ayub Nabi Khan, vice-chancellor designate of BUFT.

Among the distinguished guests who addressed the conference were Abdullah Al Mamun, CEO of Millennium Organics; Syed Arefin, Managing Director of A&E Ltd; and Tim Zahid Hossain, adviser (People & Culture) at Shin Shin Group.

Prof Md Alamgir Hossain, Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor; Md Rafiquzzaman, Registrar of BUFT, also delivered an address.

The international academic segment featured presentations by Prof Engr Hafsa Jamshaid of the National Textile University (NTU), Pakistan, and Nihong Pang of Chengdu Qinggong Polytechnic University, China.

Their contributions highlighted international perspectives on textile research, technological advancement and innovation.

Technical sessions covered a range of pressing issues facing the global textile and apparel industry, including textile waste recycling, sustainable materials, the application of artificial intelligence in garment manufacturing, smart textiles, renewable energy and compliance with environmental regulations in textile exports.

The discussions provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange and highlighted the growing importance of research-driven solutions in strengthening the industry's competitiveness and sustainability.

Two major highlights of the event were the BUFT–CRISAT–CENTRO Digital Fashion Catwalk Competition (DFCC) 2026 and the CRISAT 5-Minute Research Competition 2026. Selected finalists presented their innovative concepts, research findings and creative ideas before the audience.

The competitions aimed to encourage emerging talent, promote research communication and showcase innovation among students and young researchers.

Winners of both competitions were subsequently recognized at the prize-giving ceremonies. The conference concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof Md Abdul Jalil, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences at BUFT, followed by a group photo session.