The Screen Printing Welfare Association (SPWA) is a Bangladesh-based organization dedicated to supporting professionals in the screen printing and textile embellishment sectors. Established in 2015 and officially recognized by the government in 2016 under the Ministry of Social Welfare, SPWA serves as a collaborative platform where industry experts exchange knowledge, address production challenges, and promote technical progress. With over 800 active members and an online network of nearly 24,000, SPWA focuses on fostering professional development through skill-building programs, technical training, and job placement assistance. Additionally, SPWA provides financial support to members in need and has introduced certification courses in collaboration with the Technical Education Board, aimed at creating a workforce of skilled, industry-ready professionals. In partnership with trade organizations like BGMEA and BKMEA, SPWA is committed to advancing the sector by building a skilled workforce and enhancing employment opportunities within screen printing and textile embellishment throughout Bangladesh.
Recently, Md. Abu Sayem, President of the Screen Printing Welfare Association (SPWA) and General Manager of Embellishment at Tropical Knitex Ltd., spoke with Textile Focus to discuss opportunities within the printing sector and SPWA’s future plans. Tropical Knitex Ltd. is a fully integrated operation, offering knitting, dyeing, washing, cutting, digital and screen printing, embroidery, and garment production. The company is renowned as one of the largest and cleanest printing units in Bangladesh.
Conversation for Our Respected Readers
Textile Focus: We know that Tropical Knitex plays a significant role in the Bangladesh knit sector. Could you share some insights on your journey in this industry?
Md. Abu Sayem: As you know, Mondol Group is one of the largest groups in Bangladesh. Our esteemed Chairman, the late Abdul Majid Mondol, founded it in 1991, and we began exporting in 1995. Since then, Mondol Group has maintained a leading position as the top exporter of knit fabric. Currently, the group is managed by four directors and has around 20 sister concerns, including Cotton Club and Tropical Knitex Ltd., one of our prominent sister companies. I have been serving as the General Manager of Tropical Knitex for the past six years. In my experience, Tropical Knitex is an exemplary company within the knit sector.
Textile Focus: What do you think of the current state of the printing sector and its future potential?
Md. Abu Sayem: In my view, the printing sector holds a lot of potential and is integral to innovation in the garment sector. As I’m still a student of placement printing, I can say there are ample career opportunities here. In the last 10-15 years, this sector has undergone remarkable transformations. In the past, educated professionals weren’t keen on joining, but now the scenario is entirely different. There are several value-added products in this sector, so business owners are giving it new importance, attracting highly qualified individuals who are elevating embellishments in factories to new heights. At Tropical Knitex, both printing and embroidery are in excellent condition.
Textile Focus: The printing and embroidery sector is currently focused on value-added products. What new technology has been introduced over the past few years?
Md. Abu Sayem: Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen significant technological advancements. Automation has come in, as well as octopus machines and oval machines in this sector. Auto-stretching machines, eye imaging systems, engraving systems, auto coaters, and digital printing systems have also been introduced in the last 2-3 years. I believe that artificial intelligence will soon be integrated as well.
Textile Focus: Alongside the printing sector, you also serve as President of SPWA. Could you tell us a bit about SPWA?
Md. Abu Sayem: SPWA, or the Screen Printing Welfare Association, works to address the needs of people at the grassroots level. We established this platform to share knowledge and support each other. If any expert encounters production challenges in their factory and shares it in our group, other industry experts step in to offer solutions. A key aspect is that SPWA has formed a technical team specifically to solve these issues. SPWA began its journey in 2015, received government approval in 2016, and operates under the Ministry of Social Welfare. We’ve built a large community to spread knowledge and help people find jobs. SPWA is mainly a communication platform for those working in the embellishment department. We have over 800 physical members and nearly 24,000 online members. Alongside this, if any of our members need financial help, SPWA provides support, and over the last 8-10 years, we’ve helped about 10-12 members in various ways. In the future, we plan to introduce certificate courses in collaboration with the Technical Education Board, and we’ve already completed a batch in this program. These students will enter industries as resource persons rather than as raw recruits. We’re also organizing training sessions for mid-level and top-level management.
Textile Focus: Lastly, how do you see the future of printing in the textile sector?
Md. Abu Sayem: I’m very optimistic. When I joined the industry in 2005, there was no automation, which started developing post-2010 and saw massive improvements after 2015. I believe screen printing will be a significant employment area in the future. On the other hand, I’m concerned about the lack of skilled mid-level management entering the industry. Through SPWA, we’re working on enhancing mid-level and top-level management skills. We’ve been in discussions with BGMEA, BKMEA, and other trade bodies, and they have shown support. We’re also working with the Bangladesh All-Over Technology Association to find ways to develop this sector.
Textile Focus: As the President of SPWA, what are your future plans for the organization, and how do you want to contribute further to the printing sector?
Md. Abu Sayem: We aim to turn SPWA into a concrete institution. By 2025, we plan to establish a permanent address for the organization, along with a training school to enhance skilled manpower and deliver a skilled workforce to the industry. SPWA is always dedicated to these goals. There is also a significant opportunity here for textile engineers. If a textile engineer joins this sector, they can achieve a lot in a short time and even reach top-level management positions.
SPWA is working with the Textile Engineers Association, and we are encouraging students from this association to learn about and consider this sector. We’re willing to provide full support, including industry visits, to raise awareness of how to build a career here. We’re also working to connect major industries with textile universities and colleges so they can understand the career-building potential in this field.
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