Vice-chancellor of Gazipur Agricultural University Professor GKM Mustafizur Rahman at a workshop in Gazipur on Wednesday said that the vast marine waters of Bangladesh were a treasure trove of untapped potential.
鈥榃ith a scientific and technology-driven approach, we can establish a thriving blue economy. Research, innovation and entrepreneurship must work hand-in-hand to drive this transformation,鈥� he said at the workshop titled Production, Shelf-Life Extension and Commercialisation of Value-Added Fishery Products from Low Cost Marine Fish.
The department of fisheries technology of the GAU organised the workshop at its Old Auditorium, which was funded by the Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project under the Department of Fisheries, said a press release.
The VC further noted that the future of the fisheries sector lied not just in harvesting, but in processing, quality control, branding and export-oriented strategies areas.
The workshop aimed to accelerate innovation in marine fish processing and develop high-value products using advanced technologies to boost competitiveness in global markets.
Key highlights included practical demonstrations on producing fish burgers from mackerel and pickles from tuna, emphasising commercial potential, local entrepreneurship and coastal community empowerment.
Presided over by Gazipur district fisheries officer Sheikh Monirul Islam Monir, GAU pro-VC Professor M Moynul Haque, treasurer Professor Md Safiul Islam Afrad and grant management specialist from the Department of Fisheries, Dhaka Md Aminul Islam were present as special guests at the workshop.
The keynote presentation was delivered by Md Golam Rasul, associate professor of fisheries technology and principal investigator of the project.
His talk focused on sustainable utilisation of marine resources, modern processing technologies and commercialisation strategies, supported by visual demonstrations of product development techniques.
Entrepreneurs, researchers, faculty members, students and representatives from both public and private sectors participated in the interactive sessions, including a vibrant open-floor discussion.
Stakeholders shared insights on the opportunities and challenges in developing value-added marine products in Bangladesh.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks from the chair, expressing optimism that such initiatives will build stronger bridges between research, practical application and commercial ventures.