BUFT: Bridging Gap Between Industry and Higher Education

Located in Nishatnagar, Dhaka, BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) stands on approximately 15 bighas of land along the Turag River. Surrounded by greenery, the campus features modern academic facilities, specialised laboratories and opportunities for technology-driven education. Established with the vision of developing skilled professionals for Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industries, the university has gradually expanded its academic scope to address the evolving needs of various sectors.

Bangladesh’s industrial and economic landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, creating an increasing demand for skilled professionals. Alongside the textile and ready-made garment industries, sectors such as fashion, business, technology and environmental studies are opening up new employment opportunities. In response to these changing demands, BUFT aims to align higher education with the present and future needs of industry.

The institution began its journey in 2000 as the BGMEA Institute of Fashion & Technology. It was subsequently transformed into a university in 2012. Although the initial academic focus was primarily on textile and apparel-related education, its academic offerings have expanded considerably over the years.

Currently, BUFT offers 24 programmes, including undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma and certificate courses, under seven faculties, 12 departments and one institute. At the undergraduate level, students can pursue degrees in Apparel Merchandising & Management, Apparel Manufacturing and Technology, BBA, CSE, English, Environmental Science, Fashion Design and Technology, Fashion Studies, Industrial Engineering, Knitwear Engineering, Textile Engineering, and Textile Engineering and Management.

At the postgraduate level, the university offers MBA in Apparel Merchandising, as well as programmes in English, Fashion Design and Textile Engineering. In addition, diploma and certificate courses are available in Apparel Merchandising, Knitwear Merchandising, Woven Garments Merchandising, Apparel Pattern Making and CAD Applications, Supply Chain Management, Garments Business Management, Circular Economy in Textiles and Graphics Design.

Integrating Academic Learning with Industry

One of BUFT’s distinguishing features is its close engagement with industry. The university places considerable emphasis on complementing classroom instruction with practical exposure to real-world professional environments. Students have opportunities to participate in industrial visits, internships, practical training and various projects. These experiences enable them to develop a better understanding of their respective industries while pursuing their academic studies.

This emphasis on practical learning is also reflected in the university’s infrastructure. The campus features a 10-storey academic building covering more than 500,000 square feet. It houses 72 multimedia classrooms and 43 laboratories. Students pursuing fashion and apparel-related disciplines have access to dedicated CAD studios, where they can work with industry-standard software such as Lectra and Gerber. Other specialised facilities include fabric and garment testing laboratories, photography studios and production studios.

The university also provides a range of facilities to make campus life more comfortable and engaging. These include a gymnasium, swimming pool, medical centre, cafeteria and female students' hostel. Wi-Fi connectivity is available throughout the campus.

Emphasis on Research and International Collaboration

Recognising the importance of faculty development and research in improving the quality of higher education, BUFT places emphasis on strengthening its academic and research activities. The university currently has 245 faculty members, including 28 PhD holders. It is also involved in several international research and development initiatives, including DELPHI, NAFIC NISH, SMART 2020 and STEP UP PLUS.

The university's international engagement is also gradually expanding. BUFT has established partnerships with 81 domestic and international universities and institutions. Academic and research collaborations are underway with organisations in several countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, China, Germany and Malaysia. These partnerships have created opportunities for student exchange programmes, joint research, scholarships and various academic activities.

Beyond the Classroom: Student Engagement and Development

BUFT also recognises the importance of extracurricular activities in developing students' personalities, leadership abilities and creativity. The university currently has 23 active student clubs covering a diverse range of interests, including debate, cultural activities, fashion, business, photography, technology, community service and sports. Through festivals, competitions and social initiatives, students gain valuable experience in teamwork, leadership and organisational activities.

The university also encourages students to develop a sense of social responsibility and environmental awareness. Students participate in various community-oriented initiatives, including blood donation programmes, winter clothing distribution and slum development activities. Several initiatives are also undertaken to promote environmental conservation and awareness of sustainable development.

BUFT provides various scholarships and financial assistance opportunities to support students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. These include 100% financial benefits for students from freedom fighter families, alongside merit-based and need-based scholarships and departmental incentives.

Alumni Making Their Mark at Home and Abroad

BUFT's alumni network has grown to more than 17,000 graduates. Students from six different countries are also currently pursuing their studies at the university. Over time, BUFT has expanded beyond its traditional focus on the textile and apparel industries to include business, technology, fashion, environmental studies and other related fields.

A considerable number of its graduates are now working in various organisations at home and abroad. BUFT alumni have found employment with internationally recognised brands such as H&M, Zara, M&S and Walmart. Several graduates, including Sadruzzaman Russell, Towhid Bin Abdus Salam, Swapna Bhowmik, Wahid Aslam Rony and Nowrin Khandaker, have established themselves at the international level. Some have also pursued entrepreneurial ventures.

As industries evolve alongside technological advancements, the expectations from higher education are changing as well. Acquiring theoretical knowledge alone is no longer sufficient. Practical expertise, technological proficiency, exposure to real-world industry environments and international engagement have become equally important.

Against this backdrop, BUFT continues to expand its specialised academic offerings, aiming to integrate these essential elements and prepare its students for the demands and opportunities of an increasingly competitive professional landscape.

The writer is the Director of the Department of Public Relations at BUFT