The apparel manufacturers and exporters on Tuesday launched Chittagong BGMEA Institute of Fashion and Technology in the city. Minister for Education Nurul Islam Nahid formally opened the Institute located at Khulsi in the city.
Enthusiastic learners will now get an opportunity to equip themselves with the latest fashion design and apparel technology that is expected to contribute a lot to RMG (ready made garments) industry when the country is eying to play a very vital role in the global market.
Presided over by BGMEA president Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin the function was addressed by Vice Chancellor of Chittagong University Professor Anwarul Azim Arif as special guest, Inspector of Colleges of National University Dr. Anwar Hussain and BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology Chairman Mozaffar U Siddique as guest of honour while BGMEA first vice president Nasir Uddin Chowdhury elaborated on the importance of the Institute.
In his address the education minister said the country is yet to achieve self-dependence after 42 years of long history as we have failed to build the nation on need-based education.
"Unless we can grow at least 50 per cent of our children to technical and vocational skill we will be lagging behind. It is very unfortunate that technical and vocational education in our country remains almost neglected till today although it is very essential for our existence in this age of global competitiveness," Nahid said.
He said that per capita overall expenditure in education in Bangladesh is much below that of other countries in the world. The expenditure on technical education is only 2%.
"Of the country's total students the enrolment in technical and vocational education was only 1%. Is it conceivable for a rising nation?" he asked adding that the same enrolment has now been raised to 4% in the last four years as his ministry strived.
The main goal of education is to prepare the younger generation so that they can build the country to a modern and advanced one. "Let us work hard to build this institute into another university of fashion design and apparel technology," he concluded.
The minister later inaugurated the college by cutting ribbon and visited different class rooms, library and laboratory facilities. He also talked to the students of the beginning session who were attending classes and said they are lucky enough to be part of a wonderful seat of modern fashion and technology.
The Institute is located at the fifth floor of the BGMEA Bhaban and will provide 4-year Honours course on two subjects: Fashion Design and Apparel Manufacture Technology.
Shafiul Islam said the Institute is equipped with all modern facilities including library, modern sewing laboratory and other amenities. The efforts of the local leaders of BGMEA will surely turn it to a university of fashion technology in a few years, he said.
Mozaffar U Siddique said the RMG sector is progressing well by dint of entrepreneurs. He hoped that fashion institutes of the country will help generate employment for thousands of youth in the mid-level management for which we are still spending a lot in foreign exchange.
Nasir Uddin Chowdhury said the CBIFT offers a unique opportunity for the local young learners. They have initially started with 30 students enrolled - 15 in each of the two courses. "We will enhance the number of students to 50 in each course from July 2013 and 100 in each course from January 2014."