Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology (DUET), Gazipur presented three innovative projects at the Bangladesh Innovation Fair 2026, held at Novotheatre in Dhaka from 12-14 September under the theme “Innovate to Market”.
The fair was organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Two projects relate to textile engineering and one to energy engineering, said a press release on Tuesday.
Under Textile Engineering Department professor Shahjalal Khandaker’s supervision, PhD researcher Yasin Arafat’s research examined the possibility of using Kashful fibre, easily available in rural Bangladesh, as a partial substitute for cotton in yarn production.
Tests using industrial-scale open-end rotor spinning technology found that yarn made with up to 35 per cent Kashful blended with cotton is suitable for fabric production, while a 40 per cent Kashful blend also produced commercially acceptable quality yarn. Statistical analysis identified a blend of 27.7 per cent Kashful and 72.3 per cent cotton as the most balanced ratio. Production cost could be reduced by about 11.7 per cent, from about $2.98 to $2.63 per kg. As Kashful grows naturally without irrigation, fertiliser or pesticides, it could reduce pressure on water-dependent cotton cultivation.
Under Textile Engineering Department professor Md Abdul Hannan’s supervision, Nusrat Jahan Khanam’s project developed a chemical-free technology for dyeing cotton using only hot water, replacing salt and alkali used in conventional dyeing. The method eliminates chemical costs, prevents 66 per cent of water waste and reduces polluted wastewater by up to 73 per cent. The same coloured water can be reused up to 10 times.
Under Institute of Energy Engineering professor Mohammad Mahbubul Islam’s supervision, Sheikh Rezwanul Haque’s project addresses environmental problems from waste left in open spaces. The researchers developed a briquette machine that converts decomposable and combustible waste into fuel-grade coal in three steps. It could reduce urban air pollution and waste while supplying low-cost energy and creating employment in rural and small industries.
DUET Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Iqbal attended the opening ceremony and visited the DUET stall.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the three-day fair on 12 September Novotheatre in Bijoy Sarani in Dhaka.
Government and private research institutions, 73 public and private universities, independent researchers, students, new startups, small and medium industries (SMEs) and global investors are participating. More than 1,000 new and promising innovations from technology, business, education, health, agriculture and environment sectors are being displayed.
