Adviser to the Ministries of Finance, Science and Technology Dr Salehuddin Ahmed. File Photo

DHAKA, Sept 13, 2025 (BSS) - Adviser to the Ministries of Finance, Science 
and Technology Dr Salehuddin Ahmed today said that investment must be 
increased further in education and research in concerned sectors and thus 
promote adaptive technologies to secure 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. We must 
further increase investment in education and research in these sectors and 
promote adaptive technologies to secure our agricultural future."

Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said this while addressing the inaugural session of the 
3rd Youth Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology as the chief guest held today 
at North South University (NSU), jointly organized by NSU, OIC-COMSTECH, and 
the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS). 

The event brought together eminent policymakers, academics, and 
representatives from international organizations to highlight the importance 
of biotechnology in addressing global food security challenges, said a press 
release.

M A Kashem, Member, Board of Trustees, NSU; Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman, Board 
of Trustees, NSU; Benajir Ahmed, Member, Board of Trustees, NSU; Yeasmin 
Kamal, Member, Board of Trustees, NSU spoke as special guests.

Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, Assistant Director-General of IOFS gave a special 
address while Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-
COMSTECH and Prof. Dr. Hafizur Rahman, COMSTECH Focal Person for Bangladesh 
spoke as guests of honour.

Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU was the session chair 
while Prof. Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer and Pro-Vice Chancellor (In-Charge) of 
NSU also spoke.

In his special remarks, Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, Assistant Director-General 
of IOFS, emphasized the importance of cooperation among nations. 

He said, "Food 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."

Delivering the welcome address, Professor Dr Hafizur Rahman, COMSTECH Focal 
Person for Bangladesh, said, "Biotechnology can reshape the way we tackle 
agricultural and nutritional challenges. Our youth must take ownership of 
this journey and transform knowledge into practical solutions for humanity."

Professor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, 
noted the transformative role of science in agriculture. "Here we begin a new 
chapter of collaboration. Food 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." 

Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman of NSU's Board of Trustees, expressed optimism about 
the future. He said, "Agriculture 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."

Chairing the session, Prof. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, 
remarked, "We 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."

The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Abdur Rob Khan, 
Treasurer and Pro-Vice Chancellor (In-Charge) of NSU.

"Today's dialogue has set the tone for meaningful collaboration. Together, 
academia and international organizations can pave the way for a food-secure 
future." added Rob. 

This two-day program (13 & 14 September 2025) will feature multiple technical 
sessions with speakers from Turkey, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, 
Kazakhstan, and other countries, providing a platform for knowledge sharing 
and international collaboration in agricultural biotechnology.