Photo: BSS

KHULNA, May 13, 2026 (BSS) - Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Khulna University (KU) Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim today emphasized the need for broader studies on the top-dying disease affecting Sundari trees in the Sundarbans.

He also stressed identifying both the root causes of the disease and practical measures to combat it.

The VC made the remarks as chief guest at a seminar titled "The Hidden Cause of Sundari Decline: A New Fungal Perspective," organized by the Institute for Integrated Studies on the Sundarbans and Coastal Ecosystems (IISSCE) at the university's central laboratory conference room.

The VC said late KU researcher Prof Dr Abdur Rahman had long conducted dedicated research on the top-dying disease of Sundari trees, describing the renewed research initiative as a positive development.

Referring to the Sundarbans, he said there is wide scope for multidimensional research on the world's largest mangrove forest and called for strengthening such studies to help protect the country's environment and biodiversity.

IISSCE Director Prof Dr Md Raihan Ali chaired the seminar, while Dean of the School of Life Sciences Prof Dr Md Golam Hossain and Director of Student Affairs Prof Dr Md Nazmus Sadat attended as special guests.

Professor of the Forestry and Wood Technology Discipline and project Co-Principal Investigator Dr Md Asaduzzaman delivered the welcome address.

In the technical session, project Principal Investigator and IISSCE Scientific Officer Onti Islam presented the keynote paper, highlighting findings on a newly identified fungal cause behind the top-dying disease of Sundari trees, along with its transmission process and possible mitigation measures.

Teachers, students and officials from different disciplines participated in the seminar.