By Roy Lie A Tjam.
A delegation of the Bangladesh University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) paid a visit to the Netherlands.
The objective of the visit was to meet with BUFT partners in the Netherlands. The delegation met with representatives from Nyenrode University (Breukelen), Saxion University Enschede and the Amsterdam Fashion Institute.
BUFT strives to establish itself as a “Centre of Excellence” to produce technically competent human resources for the readymade garments, apparel and allied sectors at home and abroad with a specific emphasis on innovation and creativity.
After the Netherlands the delegation will visit the Niederrhein University Germany and subsequently return to Bangladesh.
The delegation consisted of the following members: Mr. Muzaffar U Siddique Founder Chairman, Board of Trustees, BUFT; Mr. Tipu Munshi Managing Director of SIMCO Group, Hon. Member of Parliament and Founder and Member, Board of Trustees, BUFT; Mr. Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin Founder Member, Board of Trustee, BUFT; and Senior Vice President, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industry. Prof. Dr. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan Pro Vice Chancellor, BUFT
In his welcome remarks, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Belal Ambassador thanked the Dutch institutions, especially Minister Lilianne Plumen for her never failing support for Bangladesh. BUFT is a new university, established four years ago.
The delegates expressed their appreciation for the excellent cooperation with the Netherlands. Ambassador Belal also paused for a moment to remember the innocent individuals who lost their lives due to terrorism.
Mr. Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, briefly touched on the actions taken after the collapse of the Rana Plaza complex, he specifically applauded the Hon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for closely and personally monitoring the plight of the victims and their loved ones. Due to the terrible tragedy, certain labor laws have now been changed and there are more changes in the pipeline.
There is a zero tolerance for companies who don’t comply with the new regulations. Mr. Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin further hinted at the establishment of a special fund for those working in the textile industry. Ten million dollars is expected to be contributed annually towards this scheme.
Other speakers included: Mr. Han Bekke Modint, Ms Annette Weijerman Neth.Exp.Agency, Mr Herman Snelder MDF, and Prof. Dr. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan BUFT, Mr. Tipu Munshi MP, a NUFFIC representative along with some other speakers.
Furthermore, Mr. Herman Snelder after his bi-annual evaluation visit to BUFT in Dhaka, reported positively to sponsor NUFFIC regarding the developments at BUFT.
Mr. Muzaffar U Siddique indicated the long awaited BUFT campus well be inaugurated by the end of 2016, bringing to an end the need to use rented facilities.
Developments at BUFT are looking very promising, Kudos from all sides to Ambassador Belal for hosting the event at Bangladesh House and for his infatigable promotion of Bangladesh.
