Desk Report:
Minister for Commerce, Industry, Textile and Jute Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said that to make the textile industry sustainable, the industry itself must first be made competitive and modern. If the industry is in crisis, then the employment of students will also not be sustainable.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled “Sustainable Transition to Employment: Preparation and Path of Textile Students” at the Jute Diversification Promotion Center in Farmgate in the capital today (23 May 2026).
The Textile and Jute Minister said that the government is not planning to establish or operate any new mills under government ownership. Stating that the private sector will do business, he said that the government will work to provide policy support and create the necessary environment.
Khandaker Abdul Muktadir emphasized on making the curriculum of existing textile institutes and engineering colleges timely and updating it regularly in line with technology.
He said that initiatives will be taken to link BTMA and capable private mills with educational institutions to improve the quality of textile education. This will reduce the shortage of teachers, increase technological upgradation and enable students to get involved in real industry experience.
The minister said that uncertainty in energy supply, production cost, cost of funds and technological limitations are major challenges for the textile sector. The government is working to solve these problems. In addition, the sector will be made more competitive through man-made fiber, new product development and value chain upgradation.
Abdun Naser Khan, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles and Jute, delivered the welcome speech at the seminar. Dr. Abbasuddin Shayak, Associate Professor, Bangladesh University of Textiles, presented the keynote paper.
Blue Planet Executive Director Kazi Masum Rashed and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association President Shawkat Aziz Russell spoke as panelists.
In addition, Duet Professor Dr. Abdus Shahid, Gopalganj Textile Engineering College student Roni Gazi, Sirajganj Textile Institute alumnus Md. Kabir spoke.
Heads of departments and organizations of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, textile sector traders, entrepreneurs, and former and current students of the textile sector participated in the seminar.
