Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), in collaboration with the University of Borås (UB), Sweden, successfully completed a two-days training program as the first phase of the "Textile Leadership Resilience Program" under the ReSITex Project. The event, held from September 24 to 25, 2024 at AUST's Distance Learning Theatre, sought to empower Bangladeshi public officials to drive green transitions in our textile industries. The training was attended by 15 (fifteen) public officials from the Bangladesh Handloom Board, the Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation, the Department of Textiles and the Ministry of Textiles and Jute.

On September 24, 2024, Prof. Dr. Md. Ashraful Hoque, the Honourable Vice-Chancellor of AUST, served as the chief guest and proclaimed the auspicious commencement of the initial phase of the ReSItex Project training program. In his astute address, he stated that the ReSITex project, ongoing under an international partnership. This includes partners from Sweden, Bangladesh and Ethiopia. This program is expected to revolutionize the textile sector by promoting sustainability and creativity. Prof. Hoque highlighted that the program aims to equip public officials with the essential knowledge and skills to tackle environmental challenges. In summary, he indicated that through this program, AUST takes a pivotal role in promoting international collaborations and guiding the advancement of a more environmentally aware and sustainable future for the textile industry.

Mr. Subrata Sikder, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute in the People's Republic of Bangladesh was one of the distinguished guests who spoke at the program. He discussed the important role that the government plays in promoting green transitions.

Mohammed Mahbubur Rahman, who is the Pro Vice-Chancellor of AUST, delivered a speech that was quite informative and focused on the duty of institutions in the process of encouraging sustainable practices.

Prof. Dr. Sharmin Reza Chowdhury, Treasurer, AUST was also present in the program. He stated in his address that the extensive training program fosters cooperation and knowledge, ensuring future success. He further said that this endeavour will set a good example in the global textile sector.

The first day also featured presentations by Prof. Dr. Nawar Kadi from University of Borås, Sweden, and Prof. Dr. Lal Mohan Baral, Professor at AUST and ReSITex Project Coordinator. They outlined the project’s objectives and highlighted the significance of knowledge sharing among Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Sweden. Dr. Niina Hernandez, Head of the Department of Textile Technology and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Textiles, Engineering, and Business at UB, provided an in-depth overview of the University of Borås’ role in global textile education and research. Dr. Melkie Getnet Tadesse, Associate Professor at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, presented Ethiopia's perspective on sustainable textile production.

Further insights into AUST’s commitment to the project, Mr. Emdadul Haque, Head of the Department of Textile Engineering, AUST highlighted the collaborative effort between the partner institutions. The day's technical training session was conducted by Prof. Rudrajeet Pal, an expert in textile value chain and circularity from UB. He focused on European policies for sustainability and strategies for resilient leadership in managing green transitions.

Day two continued with expert-led training sessions by Dr. Jenny Balkow, Assistant Professor at the University of Borås, Sweden. She presented her research experiences in China that highlighted the challenges and nuances involved in navigating sustainability in a global context. The final session was concluded by Prof. Dr. Nawar Kadi who emphasized on the need and process of recycling and valorisation of textile waste. The closing ceremony included remarks by Dr. Mohammad Neaz Morshed and Dr. Tuser Biswas, researcher from UB, who addressed the successful partnership and the fruitful exchange of knowledge.

The program was jointly organized by AUST and UB and facilitated by Prof. Dr. Lal Mohan Baral, ReSITex Project Coordinator and Assoc. Prof. Mohammad Faizur Rahman, ReSITex Project Leader, AUST, Bangladesh. Attendees praised the program for its focus on leadership development and actionable strategies to implement sustainable practices in the textile industry.

ReSITex Project is funded by Swedish Institute (SI). To know more about the project visit project website at  https://www.resitex.se