Use of AI technology should be increased in textile sector: Education Minister

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon has emphasized the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to make the country's textile and ready-made garment industry more competitive and technology-based. He said that research, innovation and the use of AI technology should be increased for the sustainable development of the textile sector and achieving global leadership.

He said this while speaking as the chief guest at the Fourth International Textile Science and Engineering Conference organized at the Bangladesh University of Textiles on Saturday.

The Education Minister said that although Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry has established itself as the second largest exporting sector in the world, there are various challenges ahead. To address these challenges, increasing the use of modern technology, especially artificial intelligence, is essential.

He said: 'We want to achieve global leadership in the textile sector. For this, in addition to expanding the scope of research, new and innovative thinking should be given importance by going beyond conventional concepts.'

The Minister also emphasized on increasing the capacity of higher education institutions. He said that textile education is currently being expanded in various private universities. It is necessary to ensure modern laboratories and technological infrastructure in universities for students to acquire international standard skills.

Raising the issue of environment-friendly industrialization, he called for further strengthening of 'green textiles' and waste recycling systems. According to him, there is no alternative to an environmentally friendly production system to survive in the global market.

Professor Bastian Quattelbaum of Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences presented the keynote speech at the conference.

Vice-Chancellor of BUTEX Md. Julhas Uddin presided over the program. Chairman of the University Grants Commission Mamun Ahmed was present as the special guest.

Earlier, the Education Minister inaugurated the 'Tree Plantation Program-2026' at BUTEX as part of the country's 250 million tree plantation program in five years. He called on educational institutions to play a more active role in environmental conservation and sustainable development.