Shajjatul Islam Shamim

Bangladesh's garment industry is one of the most significant things that Bangladesh has to introduce to the world. It not only introduced Bangladesh to the world, but also built the economic base of Bangladesh. 'Made in Bangladesh' is now a well-known name to the world. Therefore, thinking about this industry, researching and developing smart textile of smart Bangladesh is the demand of the time.

Modern technology will be needed to build a smart Bangladesh, well-aided exports should be increased. To reach that goal, the textile garment industry needs to be built through smart machinery based on digital connectivity. In order to discover, operate, maintain and modify all these technologies, skilled smart textile engineers are needed, whose textile laboratory is Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX). This university was founded in 1957 by the hands of the father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which was completed by his successor, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in 2010 by laying the foundation stone of this university.

In order to make the long-standing traditional curriculum in the university more timely and contemporary, on May 4, 2015, under the leadership of Professor Dr. Md. Sheikh Mominul Alam, the Department of Textile Machinery Design and Maintenance (TMDM) was established by enlivening practical and research-based education.

The curriculum of this department has been designed keeping in mind the competitive world of the future by combining the core subjects of textile, mechanical, electrical and computer and science. Every year 40 students get admission in this department through competition. So far 70 students from two batches of this department have passed out and are working in various departments of textile with great reputation and skill.

The main role in the creation of this department is Professor Dr. Md. Sheikh Mominul Alam. He completed B.Sc., M.Sc. and Ph.D. from University of Dhaka, Bolton University (UK), Toyohashi University of technology (Japan). Currently serving as the head of this department.

The main task of the university is to conduct research, to produce new knowledge through research and to work for the welfare of the country, nation and the whole world. Therefore, the department is emphasizing on making the textile sector more sustainable and smart through research. The research of the students and teachers of this department has been discussed, exhibited and awarded various prizes in various international conferences within the country. The researches of this department have been published in various international journals.

Textile is one of the driving forces of Bangladesh economy. More than 80 percent of Bangladesh's total exports come from this sector. But a lot of money goes abroad every year to buy raw materials and advanced machinery which we don't expect. So in the near future the country's money will stay in the country, modern machinery will be produced.

Keeping this goal in mind, the teachers and students of this department are moving forward at a fast pace under the leadership of Dr. Md. Sheikh Mominul Alam. The speed which will be helpful to build Smart Bangladesh of Honorable Prime Minister and Golden Bangladesh of Bangabandhu.

The writer is a Vice-president, BUTEX Journalists' Association2