Adviser to the Ministries of Finance, Science and Technology Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Saturday said that investment must be increased further in education and research in concerned sectors and thus promote adaptive technologies to secure agricultural future, reports BSS.
"Bangladesh has achieved food self-sufficiency, and I must thank our genome scientists for this success. Biotechnology will play a pivotal role in enhancing nutrition, resilience, and productivity in agriculture. We must further increase investment in education and research in these sectors and promote adaptive technologies to secure our agricultural future."
Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said this while addressing the inaugural session of the 3rd Youth Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology as the chief guest held Saturday at North South University (NSU), jointly organized by NSU, OIC-COMSTECH, and the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS).
The event brought together eminent policymakers, academics, and representatives from international organisations to highlight the importance of biotechnology in addressing global food security challenges, said a press release.
M A Kashem, Member, Board of Trustees, NSU; Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman, Board of Trustees, NSU; Benajir Ahmed, Member, Board of Trustees, NSU; Yeasmin Kamal, Member, Board of Trustees, NSU spoke as special guests.
Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, Assistant Director-General of IOFS gave a special address while Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC- COMSTECH and Prof. Dr. Hafizur Rahman, COMSTECH Focal Person for Bangladesh spoke as guests of honour.
Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU was the session chair while Prof. Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer and Pro-Vice Chancellor (In-Charge) of NSU also spoke.
In his special remarks, Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, Assistant Director-General of IOFS, emphasized the importance of cooperation among nations. He said, "Food security is a collective challenge that demands global
cooperation. This forum enables young scientists to share knowledge and build networks. Our priority must be a sustainable and secure food system, and genome technology should be applied safely, transparently, and ethically to gain public trust."
Delivering the welcome address, Professor Dr Hafizur Rahman, COMSTECH Focal Person for Bangladesh, said, "Biotechnology can reshape the way we tackle agricultural and nutritional challenges. Our youth must take ownership of this journey and transform knowledge into practical solutions for humanity."
Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman of NSU's Board of Trustees, expressed optimism about the future.
He said, "Agriculture has always been the backbone of human civilisation, and today biotechnology provides new pathways for food security. Through innovation, we can create sustainable solutions for farmers and ensure long-term food stability."
Chairing the session, Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, remarked, "We must ensure that the food for future generations is safe and sustainable.
Genome editing is a powerful tool, and in a gene-driven world, it will shape the future. This forum demonstrates the value of knowledge-sharing."
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer and Pro-Vice Chancellor (In-Charge) of NSU.
