INSPIRATION, with the theme “inspiring future leaders,” is a flagship event by Textile Focus. This Dongyi Sourcing Limited Presents INSPIRATION, powered by Eurofins Consumer Product Testing Bangladesh, is a signature leadership and knowledge-sharing event designed to empower emerging professionals in Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector. Recently held at Noorul Quader Auditorium, BGMEA Bhaban, Dhaka, the event brought together over 600 participants, including students and industry professionals. The program featured insights from top leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts and focused on career guidance, skill development, innovation, and sustainability. This session was sponsored by Denim Solutions Ltd., Sustainability Partner – Eco Threads & Yarns, Knowledge Partner – Delta Kimiya, and Technology Partner – Pakiza Software Ltd.“We must move beyond the traditional approach” – this timely and powerful message was shared by Shafiqul I. Sarker Sohel, Managing Director of Purbani Group, at the INSPIRATION event. In his remarks, he emphasised the importance of innovation, new ways of thinking, and bold decision-making in today’s rapidly changing business environment, and explained how breaking away from conventional practices can enable sustainable growth and help build future-ready leadership. A brief inspirational speech is given below for our respected readers.
From Classroom to Spinning Mills: My Early Journey
I still remember stepping into the spinning industry in the early ’90s, just after completing my bachelor’s degree. At that time, our family business was slowly finding its footing in spinning, and we were also starting to explore the garment trade. Everything was new, exciting, and at the same time, a bit overwhelming. I realised that if I really wanted to make a mark in this industry, I couldn’t rely solely on experience; I needed formal knowledge about textiles. That realisation led me to consider pursuing a master’s degree in textiles, even though it meant stepping out of my comfort zone and studying abroad.
Studying Textile Management in the U.S: A Turning Point
I chose North Carolina State University in the U.S., known for its strong textile programs. Since my background was in business, I decided not to pursue engineering, but instead enrolled in the Textile Management program. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I made. Living and studying abroad exposed me to modern textile processes, global practices, and a problem-solving mindset that I later applied in our business. The program gave me practical tools for strategic thinking about running a textile enterprise, which proved invaluable once I returned to Bangladesh.
Turning Knowledge into Advantage at Home Returning to Bangladesh, I realised how rare formal textile education was. There were only a handful of graduates each year, and most professionals learned on the job. Having that formal education gave me a unique perspective; it helped me spot gaps in the industry and opportunities that others often missed. I decided to focus on backward linkages, investing in fabric production and dyeing, which at the time had huge potential. With government incentives supporting these sectors, it felt like the right moment to take a calculated risk. I started small, personally overseeing projects, learning day by day, and gradually expanding our capabilities.
First-Hand Experience of Industry Evolution
Being part of the industry during its growth phase gave me a rare first-hand view of its evolution. Early on, qualified textile engineers were hard to find, and even those with experience often had limited formal training. As I worked on dyeing and fabric projects, I saw the immense gap between the industry’s growth and the availability of skilled professionals. Every challenge—finding talent, training people, and implementing new processes was also an opportunity to shape the way our business would grow. That period taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of combining practical experience with technical knowledge.
Rising Competition and Shifting Market Dynamics
Over the years, the textile and garment sectors grew rapidly, but so did competition. Government incentives were gradually phased out, and we had to compete directly on a global scale. Efficiency, cost control, and technical knowledge became critical for survival. By 2019, I began overseeing our garment business and noticed a major shift: direct buyers were approaching factories, raising expectations for quality, compliance, and operational efficiency. It was clear that relying on traditional methods and old practices was no longer enough; the market demanded transformation, and we had to evolve quickly to stay relevant.
Evolving Expectations for Textile Professionals
The expectations for professionals in the industry have changed dramatically. In the past, having strong technical skills in dyeing or fabric production was enough. Today, that’s only part of the picture. Modern textile professionals need a combination of hard skills and soft skills, strong technical knowledge, communication, teamwork, and the ability to coordinate across departments. Over the years, I’ve seen young professionals entering the industry with fresh perspectives and additional skills, enriching the business and helping it adapt to global standards. They bring energy, creativity, and problem-solving abilities that are just as important as technical expertise.
Key Lesson: Balance Knowledge with Adaptability
Looking back, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success in textiles comes from balancing technical knowledge, practical experience, and adaptability. Continuous learning, keeping up with new technologies, and developing soft skills are just as important as mastering technical processes. The industry will always face challenges, global competition, rising expectations, and changing trends, but those who embrace both expertise and innovation will lead the next stage of growth. For me, it has been a journey of learning, evolving, and staying open to change, and that mindset is what continues to drive our business forward today.
