BUFT Team Secures BDT 15 Million Grant for Cotton Waste Research
A research team from BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT), led by Prof. Dr. Abdul Jalil, has secured a competitive research grant worth BDT 15 million under the Bangladesh Innovation and Research for Development Initiative (BIRDI), part of the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP). The program is implemented by the Ministry of Finance of Bangladesh with financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The BUFT team submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) following the BIRDI circular issued in August last year. In response, 132 proposals were submitted nationwide, of which only 12 projects were selected after a rigorous technical and scientific evaluation. BUFT’s selection highlights the university’s growing research capability and innovation strength.
The selected project, titled “Sustainable Valorization of Cotton Waste into High-Value Cellulose-Based Products for Green Industrial Applications,” aims to convert large volumes of cotton waste generated in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment and textile industry into high-value, eco-friendly materials. Cotton waste such as fabric cutting scraps, spinning waste, and cotton cones rich in cellulose but often underutilized will be scientifically processed into valuable industrial materials. The 12-month project will be implemented through BUFT’s research facilities with Shasha Denim PLC as the industry partner, which will supply cotton waste from its production processes and support industrial-level testing of the research outcomes.
The research will focus on extracting and refining cellulose from cotton waste to develop cellulose-based materials with potential applications in biodegradable packaging, industrial coatings, composite materials, functional films, and advanced textile finishing technologies. The project phases include waste collection and characterization, cellulose extraction and purification, synthesis of cellulose derivatives, prototype development, industrial testing, and environmental and economic feasibility assessment.
At the end of the project, the team will prepare a Technology Transfer Package (TTP) to facilitate industry adoption of the technology. Experts believe the research could help introduce circular economy practices in Bangladesh’s textile sector by reducing industrial waste, creating alternatives to imported raw materials, and promoting environmentally sustainable production. Prof. Dr. Abdul Jalil said that transforming textile waste into valuable materials through scientific innovation can significantly contribute to environmental protection and industrial advancement. University officials added that winning the internationally competitive grant demonstrates BUFT’s strong research capacity and may open new opportunities for textile research and international collaboration.
BUFT Signs MoU with The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Foundation Bangladesh
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Mr. Faruque Hassan, Chairman, Board of Trustees of BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT), and Mr. Rizwan Bin Farouq, Chairman, Board of Trustees of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Foundation Bangladesh, on 26 February 2026 at the BUFT campus. The agreement marks a significant step toward strengthening youth development initiatives and expanding structured self-development opportunities for BUFT students alongside their academic studies. Under this collaboration, students will be able to participate in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a globally recognized program operating in over 130 countries and territories. The Award focuses on voluntary service, skill development, physical recreation, and adventurous journeys, equipping young people with essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and community engagement.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Faruque Hassan emphasized the importance of holistic education in nurturing responsible, confident, and socially conscious graduates. Mr. Rizwan Bin Farouq noted that the partnership would provide BUFT students with a structured platform to explore their potential and contribute meaningfully to society. The MoU outlines cooperation in implementing the Award program at BUFT, facilitating student enrollment, appointing trained Award Leaders and Coordinators, and maintaining international standards under the Award framework. Introduced in Bangladesh in 2008, the program has engaged thousands of young people nationwide. With this partnership, BUFT joins a growing network of institutions committed to youth leadership and character development. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials, faculty members, and representatives from both organizations.
BUFT Signs MoUs with Six Organizations to Strengthen Industry-Academia Collaboration
BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT), in collaboration with its Career Development Center (CDC), signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with six leading organizations on 26 February 2026 at the Vice Chancellor’s Conference Room, reaffirming its strong commitment to academic excellence and strategic industry partnership. The MoUs were signed with Urmi Group, Wonderwall, Surma Garments Limited, Jamuna Group, Fashion Power Group, and BusinessBee, with the objective of strengthening industry-academia linkage, enhancing collaborative research initiatives, and expanding internship and employment opportunities for BUFT students.
The agreements were formally signed by Mr. Faruque Hassan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of BUFT, who attended the ceremony as Chief Guest. The program was also graced by Mr. Muzaffar U. Siddique, Founder Chairman of BoT, BUFT; Mr. Mohammed Nasir, Member of BoT, BUFT; Prof. Dr. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan, Vice Chancellor (Designate) of BUFT, along with Deans, Departmental Heads, and faculty members.
Representing the respective organizations, the MoUs were signed by Mr. Biplob Barua, General Manager (Strategic HR), on behalf of Mr. Asif Ashraf, Managing Director of Urmi Group; Mr. Md. Mizan Rahman, Country Manager of Wonderwall; Mr. Faisal Samad Surma, Managing Director of Surma Garments Limited; Mr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Head of HR of Jamuna Group; Mr. Mohammad Abu Faruque, Director-Corporate of Fashion Power Group; Mr. Md. Nazmul Hasan Nazim, Head of Business and Operations of BusinessBee. Through these partnerships, BUFT aims to promote knowledge exchange, practical industry exposure, and professional development opportunities, further reinforcing its position as a leading institution in fashion and technology education.