Gazipur Agricultural University (GAU) highlighted the importance of intellectual property protection in driving innovation and research-led growth at a seminar marking World Intellectual Property Day 2026, held on Wednesday at the university’s IQAC Seminar Room in Gazipur, according to organisers.
The event, organised by the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell and aligned with this year’s global theme “IP and Sports Ready Set Innovate”, brought together 87 faculty members including deans, directors, proctors and senior academics, the university said in a press release dated April 29.
The seminar was chaired by Gazipur Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Professor GKM Mustafizur Rahman, while University Grants Commission Member Professor Masuma Habib joined virtually as chief guest.
Special guests included Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor M Moynul Haque and Treasurer Professor Md Safiul Islam Afrad.
In his keynote presentation, Treasurer Professor Md Safiul Islam Afrad underscored the growing importance of intellectual property in agriculture, pointing to the role of patents, copyrights, trademarks and industrial designs in translating innovation into economic and social gains.
Professor Masuma Habib said research and innovation are central to sustainable development and emphasised that protecting intellectual property is critical to preserving and promoting those advancements.
Vice-Chancellor Professor GKM Mustafizur Rahman said building a culture of intellectual property protection is essential for elevating university research to global standards and ensuring its practical application beyond laboratories.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting patent development and linking research outputs to national development and international competitiveness.
The vice-chancellor also highlighted the institution’s standing among agricultural universities in Bangladesh and its growing presence in global rankings.
World Intellectual Property Day has been observed globally since 2000 to raise awareness about the role of intellectual property rights in fostering innovation and creativity.
