BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) yesterday (31 October) hosted the seventh BUFT – Crisat Textile Research Conference 2026 at its auditorium in Nishatnagar, Turag, Dhaka.

Held on 31 October, 2026, the conference brought together local and international academics, researchers, industry leaders, and professionals to explore research, innovation, and sustainable development in the textile and apparel sector, according to a press release.

The conference opened with a welcome address by Professor Mohammed Rubaiyat Chowdhury, dean of the Faculty of Apparel Studies at BUFT. The opening address was delivered by Abu Sadat M Sayem, founder of the Centre for Research, Innovation and Sustainable Apparel Technology (Crisat) and programme leader for textiles at Loughborough University in the UK.

Professor Mamun Ahmed, chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, attended the event as the chief guest, while Mesbha Uddin Ali, chairman of the Board of Trustees of BUFT, was present as a special guest. The conference was chaired by Professor Ayub Nabi Khan, vice-chancellor designate of BUFT.

Among the guests who addressed the conference were Abdullah Al Mamun, chief executive officer of Millennium Organics; Syed Arefin, managing director of A&E Ltd; and Tim Zahid Hossain, adviser for people and culture at Shin Shin Group. Professor Md Alamgir Hossain, acting pro-vice-chancellor of BUFT, and Md Rafiquzzaman, registrar of the university, also delivered addresses.

The international academic segment featured presentations by Professor Hafsa Jamshaid of the National Textile University in Pakistan and Nihong Pang of Chengdu Qinggong Polytechnic University in China. Their presentations highlighted international perspectives on textile research, technological advancement, and innovation.

Technical sessions covered several 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 importance of research-driven solutions in strengthening the industry’s competitiveness and sustainability.

Two highlights of the event were the BUFT – Crisat – Centro Digital Fashion Catwalk Competition 2026 and the Crisat Five-Minute Research Competition 2026, where selected finalists presented their 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 recognised at the prize-giving ceremonies.

The conference concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Professor Md Abdul Jalil, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Sciences at BUFT, followed by a group photo session.