The Dhaka University Alumni Apparel Foundation (DUAAF) held the oath-taking ceremony of its newly elected Executive Committee for the 2025–2027 term on January 16 at the Alumni Association Floor, University of Dhaka. More than 100 guests from Bangladesh’s garments and textile industry, along with university alumni and institutional representatives, attended the programme. The event formally marked the transition to the new leadership and reinforced DUAAF’s role as an industry-focused alumni platform. The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthem. Participants also observed a moment of silence in remembrance of Begum Khaleda Zia and the martyrs of the July uprising. Faruque Hassan, former President of BGMEA, attended the programme as the Chief Guest.
In the welcome speech, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Vice President of DUAAF and Deputy General Manager of Bitopi Group, highlighted Bangladesh’s position as the second-largest apparel exporter in the world and noted the country’s growing recognition for green garment factories. He emphasized the importance of leadership, unity, and collaboration to face challenges such as rising costs and stricter global compliance requirements.
In his address, DUAAF President AKM Shoaib (CEO, Mingda Bangladesh New Material Co. Ltd.) shared the foundation’s future plan, focusing on skills development, leadership building, and global engagement to support professionals in a rapidly changing industry.
Chief guest Faruque Hassan highlighted Bangladesh’s dependence on imported raw materials, especially cotton, and stressed the importance of reskilling and upskilling the workforce to improve productivity and move the industry up the value chain.
A presentation was delivered by Sultan Mahbubul Haque (Head of HR & Admin, SQUARE Textiles Division), outlining DUAAF’s strategic roadmap and its goal to become a strong knowledge-sharing and professional support platform for the apparel value chain.
A panel discussion was also held focusing on leadership, labour market issues, and governance challenges in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The panel included industry professionals and DUAAF members. The programme concluded with a cultural segment, followed by a networking session.
New Executive Committee of DUAAF (2025–2027):
President: AKM Shoaib
Sr. Vice President: Sultan Mahbubul Haque
Vice Presidents: Abdullah Al Mamun (Tuhin), Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Md. Ramzan Ali Akanda, Md. Selim Miah, Hafizur Rahman (Hafiz), Md. Danishul Islam, Md. Emran Kabir, Md. Zakir Hossain, Mohammad Golam Gaus Sayeedi & MMR Shaker Miraj
General Secretary: Arafatul Islam (Arafat)
1st Joint Secretary: Md. Farhad Hossen
Joint Secretaries: Abu Nowshad, Antu Aich & Tawhidul Islam
Organizing Secretary: Mohammad Rayhan Khan
1st Asst. Organizing Secretary: Jahidul Islam Khan
Asst. Organizing Secretary: Md. Mamun Hossain
Finance Secretary: Mahabobur Rahaman
Publicity Secretary: Jahirul Islam (Miraz)
Office Secretary: Arif Billah
Public Relations Secretary: Mitali Chakrabartty
Sports & Cultural Secretary: Abdullah Al Mahdee
Career & Training Secretary: Akhi Akter
Event Management & Hospitality Secretary: Md. Habibur Rahman
IT & Media Secretary: Aditya Podder
Executive Members: Abu Bakker, Dibakur Samadder, Md. Matiur Rahman, Saiful Islam, Md. Joynal Abedin, Bappy Sarker, Ashraf Abir
DUAAF currently functions as a collaborative hub for Dhaka University graduates working in different fields, especially in the apparel and textile sector. According to the speakers, the main objective of the organization is to strengthen cooperation among members and build a strong network of DU alumni and current students involved in the garment industry. DUAAF aims to contribute to positive change in Bangladesh’s garment sector through different initiatives.
Founded in 2019, DUAAF brings together University of Dhaka alumni working across apparel manufacturing, sourcing, textiles and related sectors. The foundation has increasingly positioned itself as a networking and knowledge-sharing platform aimed at nurturing future industry leadership and strengthening ties between academia and Bangladesh’s largest export industry.
Event Host: This event was hosted by Mitali Chakrabartty and Jahirul Islam (Miraz).
Event Sponsor: This event was sponsored by Lifelong Accessories and Leather Ltd and Bankotex Sourcing Ltd.
