EDC successfully organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) Titled "Sustainability and Skill Transformation in Bangladesh's Leather Sector: Implications for Employment Generation and GDLFM Program Effectiveness
Aug 17, 2026
The Executive Development Center (EDC), East West University, under the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP), successfully organized a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on 19 July 2026 Titled "Sustainability and Skill Transformation in Bangladesh's Leather Sector: Implications for Employment Generation and GDLFM Program Effectiveness."
The FGD was graced by Professor Shams Rahman, Honorable Vice Chancellor of East West University (EWU) and Advisor, EDC-SICIP. Distinguished participants included Ms. Syeda Amina Fahmeen, Additional Secretary and Deputy Executive Program Director (Program Management-3), SICIP, Finance Division, Ministry of Finance; Professor Dr. Tanbir Ahmed Chowdhury, Program Director, EDC, EWU; Professor Dr. Anup Chowdhury, Deputy Director, EDC, EWU; Dr. Md. Matiur Rahman, Deputy Secretary and Assistant Executive Program Director (Program Management-2), SICIP; Dr. Mohammad Rezwanul Huq, Assistant Director (Administration), EDC, EWU; Mr. Abu Sadat Muhammad Ashif, Assistant Director (Academic), EDC, EWU; Mr. Md. Golam Shahnewaz, Managing Director, Dhaka Tannery Industrial Estate Waste Treatment Plant Company Ltd. (DTIEWTPC); Mr. Mohammad Tajul Islam (Murad), Chief Operating Officer, FB Footwear Limited; Mr. Khan Amanur Rahman, Head of Human Resource & Admin, Express Leather Products Limited (Lotto Bangladesh); Mr. S.M. Zahidur Rahman, General Manager, Alliance Leathergoods and Footwear Limited; Mr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, Assistant General Manager–International Business, Apex Footwear Limited; Mr. Fahatul Islam, Deputy General Manager–Finance, Bata Shoe Company (BD) Limited; and Mr. Anjan Sikder, Deputy Chief Financial Officer, BLING Leather Products Limited.
The discussion focused on sustainability challenges, employment opportunities, skill transformation, industry needs, and strategies for strengthening collaboration between academia and industry. Participants also shared recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of the Graduate Diploma in Leather, Leather Goods and Footwear Management (GDLFM) program to produce industry-ready professionals.
During the discussion, Professor Dr. Tanbir Ahmed Chowdhury highlighted the contributions of the Executive Development Center in implementing the GDLFM program under SICIP and its role in developing a skilled workforce for Bangladesh’s leather sector. Professor Shams Rahman emphasized the importance of stronger industry-academia collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices to enhance the global competitiveness of the country's leather industry. Ms. Syeda Amina Fahmeen encouraged both industry and the EDC to take a more proactive role in strengthening collaboration for sustainability, skill transformation, employment generation, and continuous improvement of the GDLFM program.
The session concluded with valuable recommendations and a shared commitment to developing a sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready workforce through stronger partnerships among academia, industry, and government.
