Textile Tech Transformation Needs Modern Curriculum: Minister
Bangladesh’s Commerce, Industries, and Textiles & Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Moktadir has said that the country’s textile education sector cannot achieve the desired progress without developing modern curricula aligned with rapid technological changes and the evolving demands of the industrial sector.
He made the remarks on Saturday, May 23, while addressing a seminar as chief guest at the Jute Diversification Promotion Center in Farmgate, Dhaka. The seminar, titled “Sustainable Transition to Employment: Preparation and Pathways for Textile Students,” focused on the current challenges and future digital and technical roadmap of Bangladesh’s textile industry.
The minister stated that to sustain the textile industry in the global market, the sector must become more competitive and technology-driven. He warned that if the industrial sector faces continued challenges, sustainable employment opportunities for students would also be affected.
Clarifying the government’s future policy direction, Khandaker Abdul Moktadir said the government has no plans to establish or operate new state-owned textile mills. Instead, the private sector will lead industrial operations, while the government will provide policy support and create a favorable business environment.
He also announced initiatives to modernize the curricula of existing textile institutes and engineering colleges and to address the shortage of teachers by involving the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and capable private mills in educational activities. The move is intended to give students practical industrial and technical experience.
Highlighting the sector’s major current challenges, the minister said the government is working to overcome uncertainties in energy supply, rising production costs, high cost of funds, and technological limitations. He added that initiatives have also been undertaken to strengthen the sector through man-made fibers, new product development, and modernization of the textile value chain.
Following the welcome speech delivered by Textiles and Jute Ministry Secretary Abdun Naser Khan, the keynote paper was presented by Dr. Abbasuddin Shayak. Leading business figures from the textile industry, heads of government agencies, and former and current textile students participated in the panel discussion.
DBTech/DMI/MUM/OR
