Finance, Science and Technology Adviser to the interim government Dr Salehuddin Ahmed on Saturday underscored the need for enhanced investment in education and research to promote adaptive technologies and ensure Bangladesh’s agricultural future.
“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,” he said.
He made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the 3rd Youth Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology at North South University (NSU) as the chief guest. The two-day event has been jointly organised by NSU, OIC-COMSTECH, and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS).
According to a press release, the forum brought together policymakers, academics and representatives from international organisations to discuss biotechnology’s role in tackling global food security challenges.
NSU Board of Trustees members M A Kashem, Aziz Al Kaiser, Benajir Ahmed, and Yeasmin Kamal attended as special guests. IOFS Assistant Director-General Ambassador Khusrav Noziri delivered a special address, while OIC-COMSTECH Coordinator General Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary and COMSTECH Focal Person for Bangladesh Prof Dr Hafizur Rahman spoke as guests of honour, reports BSS.
Chairing the session, NSU Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury highlighted the importance of genome editing in ensuring safe and sustainable food for future generations. NSU Treasurer and Pro-Vice Chancellor (In-Charge) Prof Abdur Rob Khan also spoke and delivered the vote of thanks.
Ambassador Noziri stressed that food security is a collective challenge requiring global cooperation. “Our priority must be a sustainable and secure food system, and genome technology should be applied safely, transparently and ethically to gain public trust,” he said.
Prof Rahman noted that biotechnology can reshape approaches to agriculture and nutrition, urging young people to transform knowledge into practical solutions. Prof Choudhary emphasised empowering youth through science and technology, while Board of Trustees Chairman Aziz Al Kaiser expressed optimism, saying biotechnology offers new pathways for sustainable food stability.
The forum, being held on September 13–14, will feature technical sessions with experts from Turkey, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and other countries, focusing on knowledge-sharing and international collaboration in agricultural biotechnology.
