Bangladesh is one of the world’s largest exporters of ready-made garments (RMG). However, the industry also faces major environmental challenges due to pollution and carbon emissions. Working to make the textile and apparel sector more sustainable, Dr. Abbas Uddin, Associate Professor of the Department of Dyes and Chemical Engineering at Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX) and Executive Director of the Biomedical Research Foundation (BRF), has earned international recognition for his groundbreaking research.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to sustainable textile innovation, Dr. Abbas has been named among Asia’s Top 100 Scientists in the prestigious “Asian Scientist 100” list for 2026.
The annual list, published by Singapore-based science magazine Asian Scientist, honors leading researchers and innovators across Asia in various scientific disciplines. This year, Dr. Abbas Uddin was recognized in the Engineering category for his impactful research and innovation in environmentally sustainable textile technologies.
Previously, Dr. Abbas was selected as one of the Top 10 innovators worldwide at the prestigious Global Change Award 2025, an international competition focused on sustainable fashion innovation. On May 20 last year, he received recognition at a special ceremony held at Old Billingsgate in London, United Kingdom, for his groundbreaking concept titled “Decarbonisation Lab.”
His innovative project, “Decarbonisation Lab for Textile Process Innovation,” aims to develop advanced dyeing and treatment processes that can significantly reduce carbon emissions in textile manufacturing. The initiative is considered a major step toward addressing the environmental impact of the global fashion industry and promoting sustainable production practices.
Expressing his reaction to the recognition, Dr. Abbas said, “I see this as encouragement for research, industry collaboration, and solution-oriented work focused on real-world challenges. Most importantly, if this recognition inspires young students and researchers to believe that global contributions are possible from Bangladesh, that will be the greatest achievement.”
Alongside Dr. Abbas, other Bangladeshi researchers were also featured in the 2026 list, including researcher Marjana Akter from Bangladesh Agricultural University and renowned public health scientist Dr. Tahmeed Ahmed.
According to the Asian Scientist website, individuals selected for the list must have received a national or international award for their research during the previous year, made a significant scientific discovery, or demonstrated leadership in academia or industry.
Dr. Abbas’s international recognition is being viewed as a proud achievement for Bangladesh and a major inspiration for advancing sustainable textile research and innovation in the country.
Written by: Md. Tarek Rahman (BUTEX, 48th Batch)
