The inaugural session of the 3rd Youth Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology was held at the North South University in Dhaka on Saturday.
Jointly organised by the NSU, OIC-COMSTECH, and the Islamic Organisation for Food Security, the event brought together policymakers, academics and representatives from international organisations to highlight the importance of biotechnology in addressing global food security challenges, said a press release.
Finance and science and technology adviser Salehuddin Ahmed was present as chief guest at the programme.
MA Kashem, member, board of trustees, NSU; Aziz Al Kaiser, chairman, NSU board of trustees; Benajir Ahmed, member, NSU board of trustees; and Yeasmin Kamal, member, NSU board of trustees were present as special guests while Professor Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, coordinator general of OIC-COMSTECH; and Professor Hafizur Rahman, COMSTECH focal person for Bangladesh were present as guests of honour at the programme.聽
Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, assistant director general of IOFS, delivered special address at the programme.
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, NSU vice-chancellor, chaired the session at the programme.
Salehuddin Ahmed said that Bangladesh had achieved food self-sufficiency
鈥業 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,鈥� he said.
Khusrav Noziri emphasised the importance of cooperation among nations. He said, 鈥楩ood 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.鈥�
Iqbal Choudhary noted the transformative role of science in agriculture. 鈥楩ood security is a major challenge, and we are addressing it through science and technology. The future of food security lies in empowering our youth with the right tools and opportunities.鈥�
Aziz Al Kaiser expressed optimism about the future. He said, 鈥楢griculture has always been the backbone of human civilization, and today biotechnology provides new pathways for food security. Through innovation, we can create sustainable solutions for farmers and ensure long-term food stability. This forum is not just academic鈥攊t reflects NSU鈥檚 commitment to excellence in education and research. We can provide the platform and guidance, but it is the young researchers who will tackle these challenges.鈥�
Abdul Hannan Chowdhury remarked, 鈥榃e 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. By engaging students and young researchers, we are nurturing a generation ready to address the critical challenges of food security.鈥�
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Professor Abdur Rob Khan, treasurer and Pro-VC, in-charge, of NSU.
