Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) hosted a workshop titled “Climate-Resilient Apiculture for Livelihood Improvement in Bangladesh” on 22 April at its Old Auditorium, supported by the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation (HEAT) project. The event focused on promoting sustainable beekeeping practices to address climate change, improve bee health and queen production, and strengthen industry collaboration to establish beekeeping as a stable livelihood.
Prof GKM Mustafizur Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of GAU, attended the event as Chief Guest, while Professor Md Ahsanul Haque, Sub-project Manager and Professor of Entomology, chaired the session. Special guests included Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof M Moynul Haque, Treasurer Prof Md Safiul Islam Afrad, and Prof Md Moshiul Islam, Director of Research and Head of UATFS under the HEAT project.
Representatives from leading agricultural research institutions, including BARI, BRRI, and the Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute, participated alongside academics from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Sylhet Agricultural University, and GAU faculty, researchers, and students.
The workshop began with a welcome address by Associate Sub-project Manager Prof Md Mamunur Rahman. Ahsanul Haque then presented the keynote, highlighting the potential of beekeeping to address climate challenges. He also discussed plans to establish an Api-Health Research Center. An interactive Q&A session, led by the Vice-Chancellor, facilitated discussions on opportunities, challenges, and the real-life impact of beekeeping on rural livelihoods.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised, “In this era of climate change, beekeeping is not just an agricultural activity, it can be a powerful pathway to sustainable livelihoods, nutrition security, and environmental protection. Advancing this sector through research and innovation is essential.” He also announced that beekeeping would be featured as a dedicated theme at GAU’s upcoming 2nd International Conference.
The event concluded with a symbolic gesture, as experts from Alwan Honey Museum and Research Center presented a commemorative beehive to the Vice-Chancellor.
