Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee on Thursday urged the textile industry to reduce its dependence on groundwater to conserve the country’s water resources and ensure sustainable development of the sector.

“We must also focus on developing alternative water sources and more efficient methods of water use in the textile industry,” he said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the BUTEX-ITET Dye-Chem Expo 2026 at the Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) in Tejgaon.

Noting that the textile sector consumes a huge amount of water while the groundwater level is declining gradually, Anee underscored the need for reducing dependence on groundwater and increasing the use of surface water.

He stressed that alongside industrial growth, water conservation, effective wastewater treatment, water reuse and eco-friendly production methods must be ensured. "These issues must be given due importance for sustainable industrial development."

The minister expressed hope that the BUTEX-ITET Dye-Chem Expo will advance innovation, strengthen industry-academia collaboration and inspire a new generation of textile professionals.

He said the textile industry plays a vital role in Bangladesh's economy, with skilled professionals in high demand both at home and abroad.

Anee said BUTEX produces hundreds of skilled graduates every year who are sought after in the job market.

BUTEX Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Zulhash Uddin presided over the programme.

Institution of Textile Engineers and Technologists (ITET) President Enayet Hossain and Secretary General ASM Hafizur Rahman Nixon were present as special guests.