The grand launching ceremony of the Textile Innovation Exchange (TIE) was successfully held at the Ballroom of Le Méridien Dhaka, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, academia, innovators, and development partners under the vision of transforming innovation into a core competence for Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector.

The initiative aims to institutionalize innovation as a measurable, evidence-led, and repeatable practice across the industry by creating stronger collaboration between factories, academia, technology providers, researchers, and global stakeholders.

The launching program began with a welcome address by Engr. Md. Shamsuzzaman, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the TIE Grand Launching Program, Vice President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and Managing Director of Microfiber Group.

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.

Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said, “We need more research and Innovation and more sustainable adaptability to exist.” He also emphasized for the utility optimization and said “it should be our main concern.” He further urged manufacturers to become more research-oriented and innovation-driven, emphasizing that industries unable to adapt to changing global realities eventually fall behind.

Prof. Zulhash Uddin said, “Innovation Exchange can play a vital role in industrial research, including new material development, reducing utility costs and chemical consumption, and strengthening collaboration between industry and academia.

Special guests included Inamul Haq Khan, Senior Vice President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association; Abdullah Al Mamun, Spokesperson of Bangladesh Textile Mills Association; Md. Abdul Hamid, President of Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association and Engr. Md. Enayet Hossain, Member Secretary of the Interim Committee of The Institution of Textile Engineers and Technologists (ITET).

During the program, a corporate video of TIE was unveiled, followed by presentations by Tareq Amin, Founder and CEO of Textile Today Innovation Hub (TTIH), highlighting the alignment between Textile Today Innovation Hub and TIE. The organizers also announced the upcoming PIIC Season 1 and Textile Innovation Expo 2026, which are expected to further strengthen innovation-driven collaboration across the industry.

Speaking at the event, Engr. Ehsanul Karim Kaiser, Chairman of TIE and Executive Chairman of Textile Today Innovation Hub, emphasized the importance of building an innovation ecosystem that can support Bangladesh’s future competitiveness in the global textile and apparel market.

Dr. Md. Hasib Uddin, Program Director of the Textile Innovation Expo and Innovation Wing, also addressed the audience, highlighting the need for research-based industrial collaboration and practical innovation initiatives.

A memento presentation and group photo session were held to honor distinguished guests and contributors to the initiative. At the end of the event, the logo of the Textile Innovation Exchange was unveiled.

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.

The board members include Engr. Ehsanul Karim Kaiser, Convener, ITET and Executive Chairman, Textile Today Innovation Hub; Engr. Saiful Islam Khan, Managing Director, Essential Clothing Ltd; Engr. Md. Shamsuzzaman, Vice President, BKMEA and Managing Director, Micro Fibre Group; Prof. Dr. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan, Vice Chancellor, BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT); Dr. Md. Hasib Uddin, Director, BGMEA and Chairman, APS Knit Composite Ltd; Engr. Hafizur Rahman Nixon, Executive Director, RH Corporation (Aziz Group); Engr. ATM Mahbubul Alam, Executive Director, Masco Group; Engr. Shafiur Rahman, Country Manager, G-Star Raw; Engr. Md. Azhar Ali, Chief Operating Officer, Salma Group and Engr. ASM Tareq Amin, Founder and CEO, Textile Today Innovation Hub.

The event concluded with networking and a luncheon session, where participants exchanged ideas on future collaboration, sustainable innovation, advanced manufacturing, and strengthening Bangladesh’s position as a global hub for textile innovation.

Organizers expressed optimism that Textile Innovation Exchange will play a transformative role in connecting innovation, research, and industry practices to support the long-term sustainable growth of Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector.