DHAKA :  Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon today said extensive research and innovation is essential for the country to maintain its leading position in the global textile market and emerge as a world leader in the sector.

He also called for the sustainable adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and green textile technologies in the ready-made garment (RMG) industry.

The minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the 4th International Conference on Textile Science and Engineering (ICTSE-2026) at the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) in the capital's Tejgaon.

The minister said the RMG and textile sector is the lifeblood of the country's economy while around six million workers are employed in this sector, a large proportion of whom are women.

Although Bangladesh is currently the world's second-largest garment exporter, the country still depends heavily on imported raw materials, he said. 

To reduce this dependence and remain competitive against countries such as China, Vietnam, India, and Pakistan, Bangladesh must discover new pathways through research and innovation, he said.

The minister said digitalization and AI will not take away jobs from the garment sector rather they will help improve product quality, create innovative designs, and support our global marketing efforts through creative ideas. 

He emphasized strengthening environmentally friendly green textile initiatives and recycling systems to address the impacts of climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Recalling the glorious history of Dhaka's famous muslin fabric, Milon stressed reviving the golden heritage through modern science.

He underlined the need for increasing the use of biodegradable jute bags instead of synthetic or polythene bags to reduce environmental pollution. 

Referring to government initiatives, he said that under the Prime Minister's directive, jute-made school bags will be distributed among primary school students across the country.

Highlighting the historical development of BUTEX, the minister said that its formal transformation from a college into a university began in 2006. 

Today, its graduates are not only employed in various professions but have also become successful entrepreneurs and industrialists, contributing significantly to the national economy.

He said students with textile backgrounds are also achieving success in the Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS), police administration, and politics. 

Milon urged private universities to establish modern laboratories and elevate textile education to international standards.

BUTEX Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Md. Julhas Uddin chaired the even while University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed attended as the special guest.

BUTEX teachers, researchers, and students from home and abroad joined the event.

Earlier, the minister inaugurated the BUTEX Tree Plantation Programme 2026 as part of a nationwide initiative to plant 25 crore trees over the next five years.