As part of the annual flagship event TEX FEST 2025, the Department of Textile Engineering, Green University of Bangladesh hosted a dynamic panel discussion session titled “Industry Academia Collaboration: Importance & Challenges” at Multipurpose Hall of Green University of Bangladesh.
Bringing together leading voices from both academia and industry, the session focused the critical role of partnerships in driving research, innovation, and talent development within Bangladesh’s textile sector.
The event featured a distinguished panel comprising Prof. Dr. Md. Fayzur Rahman, Treasurer of Green University of Bangladesh; Dr. Raashid Ashraf Khan, Director of Assurer World & Versatile Creation Ltd.; Mr. Riyadh Zabir, Country Head of Etam (France); and Mr. Julfikar Ali Simon, Deputy General Manager and Head of Knitting and R&D at Ibrahim Knit Garments Pvt. Ltd.
Gracing the event as Chief Guest was Prof. Dr. Mohammad Shorif Uddin, Vice Chancellor of Green University of Bangladesh, while Prof. Dr. Khawza Iftekhar Uddin Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Green University of Bangladesh, was present as the Special Guest. The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Nitai Chandra Sutradhar, Distinguished Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Textile Engineering, Green University of Bangladesh.
The discussion covered several critical areas, including the need for greater industry funding for research and development within academia, enhanced student participation in addressing global industry trends, and the necessity for government policies to foster stronger industry-academia collaboration. Other key topics included increasing the number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between industry and academic institutions, facilitating internships, mill visits, lecture series, and curriculum development initiatives, as well as tackling challenges that hinder effective collaboration.
A significant focus was placed on nurturing future leaders in academia and reducing dependency on foreign personnel within the textile sector. The session marked an important step towards bridging the gap between industrial innovation and academic research, aiming to create a robust and self-reliant future for Bangladesh’s growing industries.
