The inaugural ceremony of ‘MakerFest’, hosted by Make-A-Thon Bangladesh took place at BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology on 3rd May, 2016. Professor Dr. Syed Masud Husain, Vice Chancellor of BUFT and Professor Dr. Engr. Ayub Nabi Khan, Pro Vice Chancellor of BUFT graced the program with their kind presence. Besides, Mr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, Senior Operations Officer, Education Global Practice, World Bank and Dr. Gauranga Chandra Mohanta ndc, Project Director (Additional Secretary), Higher Education Quality Enhancement Project (HEQEP) were present as especial guests in the program. Among the speakers, Mr. M. K. Aaref, CEO, EMK Center; Ms. Mashraka Binta Mosharrof, CEO, Creative Connections, Jute Diversified Product Manufacturer; Mr. Ahmed Akkhor, Founder & CEO, Ionsketch and Mr. 
Khalid Mahmud, Originator, Made in Bangladesh were present.
BUFT expresses the deepest gratitude as the BetterStories appointed by HEQEP has chosen BUFT as the very first venue to implement the MakerFest 2016. At the beginning of the ceremony, an ice breaking session was arranged by the BetterStories on ‘Break the ice to make a thing’ by Mr. Erad Kawser from BetterStories who described about the Make-A-Thon. After that, Dr. Mohammad Sujauddin, Associate Professor of BUFT and ‘FabLab Guru’ of BUFT delivered his introductory speech addressing the highlights of BUFT from the view point of its present and future goal. At the same time, Dr. Sujauddin encouraged the students to nurture their creativity through innovation. Then the Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Ayub Nabi Khan gave the welcome speech. Dr. Khan explained the recent achievements and activities of BUFT. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of this type of event for the students. Thenceforth, Mr. Khalid Mahmud of Made in Bangladesh discussed about the keynotes of Made in Bangladesh. Mr. Mahmud emphasized the discourse of diaspora in his speech.
After having finished the speech of Mr. Khalid Mahmud, a panel discussion on “What is in it for the University?” was held moderated by Mr. Minhaz Anwar. Three very notable participants viz. Prof Dr. Syed Masud Husain, Vice Chancellor, BUFT; Mr. Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, the representative of the World Bank and Dr Gauranga Chandra Mohanta ndc of HEQEP graced the panel discussion. All the speakers highlighted the essence of the event with its implication in university level.
After the completion of the panel discussion, other distinguished invited speakers delivered their speeches. Mr. Md. Tarique Bin Azad, the campus ambassador of BUFT pitched his own ideas about MakerFest and FabLab. After him, Mr. K. Aaref, CEO, EMK Center for Public Service & Arts discussed about the Maker lab and the benefits of having one. Then Mr. Atif Ahmed Akkhor, Founder & CEO, Ionsketch, has given a presentation over “Design & Good Design”. Ms. Mashraka Binte Mosharrof, CEO, Creative Connections, Jute Diversified Product Manufacturer then came and gave a speech on Pushing through the jute industry. A team of FabLab Dhaka came up and described to the audiences about the FabLab.
Prof. Dr. Syed Masud Husain, Vice Chancellor, BUFT thanked all the guests and the audiences as well to make time from their tight schedule and to make the event a successful one.
