For Bangladesh’s textile and garment industry to remain competitive in the global market, rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is essential, warned the Education and Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon.
Addressing the 4th International Conference on Textile Science and Engineering at the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) on Saturday, the minister said the country’s largest export-earning sector must move beyond conventional production methods and invest in advanced technologies, research and innovation to sustain future growth.
“Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest exporter of ready-made garments, but maintaining that position will require technology-driven solutions,” he said.
“Greater adoption of artificial intelligence can significantly strengthen the industry and accelerate its development.”
The minister’s remarks come at a time when global textile manufacturers are increasingly turning to AI-powered production systems, automation, predictive maintenance, quality control, supply-chain optimization and sustainable manufacturing to improve productivity and reduce costs.
Despite its dominant position in global apparel exports, Bangladesh’s textile sector faces mounting challenges, including rising production costs, growing sustainability requirements from international buyers, technological disruptions and intensifying competition from other manufacturing hubs.
Milon said Bangladesh must substantially expand investment in research and development if it wants to emerge as a global leader in textiles rather than merely remain a large-scale producer.
“To achieve global leadership, we must invest more in research, encourage innovation and adopt cutting-edge technologies,” he said.
He also emphasized the need to strengthen textile education and research infrastructure, noting that textile-related programs are now being introduced in an increasing number of private universities.
According to the minister, modern laboratories, advanced research facilities and industry-oriented training will be essential to prepare graduates for an increasingly technology-driven global market.
Alongside technological modernization, he stressed the importance of sustainable manufacturing practices, calling for greater emphasis on green textile production and stronger recycling systems across the industry.
Industry experts attending the conference said future competitiveness in the global apparel market will increasingly depend on innovation, automation and sustainability rather than low-cost labour alone, making technological adaptation a strategic necessity for Bangladesh.
The conference featured a keynote presentation by Professor Bastian Quattelbaum of Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Germany.
The event was chaired by BUTEX Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Julhas Uddin and attended by University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Dr Mamun Ahmed, among others.
Earlier in the day, the minister inaugurated the BUTEX Tree Plantation Programme 2026, part of a nationwide initiative to plant 250 million trees over the next five years.
