Science Secretary stresses creative economy and sustainable industrial engineering
Transition to Innovation Economy Urged at BUFT
- Shift urged from traditional apparel manufacturing to high-value creative and tech innovation
- BCSIR and H&M collaborate on energy efficiency, water conservation, and chemical reduction
- Prime Minister to inaugurate three-day Bangladesh Innovation Fair on September 12
Bangladesh must transition from a manufacturing-heavy industrial model toward a knowledge-driven and technology-led innovation economy to enhance global competitiveness, stated Md. Anwar Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology. He addressed as the chief guest at the Freshers' Reception & Orientation Program 2026 organized by BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) in Dhaka on Tuesday, 25 August.
The Science Secretary emphasized, "The government places special emphasis on the creative economy, spanning fashion design, architectural engineering, animation, music, film, advertising, and digital gaming. We must pivot from basic manufacturing to high-value technological innovation. The nation looks toward the youth to leverage creative engineering and develop homegrown global brands to lead the international market."
He noted that the ministry is bridging academia and industry through 'Research to Market' and 'Innovate to Market' frameworks. Under this initiative, the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) is executing joint research and development programs with BUFT to upgrade textile systems. Concurrently, technical collaborations with global retail brand H&M are advancing cleaner production by optimizing water and energy use while minimizing chemical inputs.
Md. Anwar Hossain stated that the 'Innovate to Market' pipeline ensures that lab-engineered research translates directly into commercial market products. He underscored the necessity of robust Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement alongside structured venture financing to resolve ecosystem bottlenecks. He announced that the three-day 'Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026' will commence at the Novotheatre in Dhaka on 12 September 2026, set to be formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Encouraging students to become job creators through technical innovation and research, the Secretary joined the ceremony where a commemorative tree sapling was presented to him.
BUFT Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan, Board of Trustees Chairman Faruque Hassan, Member Mohammed Nasir, Snowtex Group Managing Director S M Khaled, alongside faculty deans and department chairpersons, attended the event.
//DBTech/MAM/SME//
