Education Advisor Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar. File Photo

DHAKA, Sept 26, 2025 (BSS) - Education Advisor Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar said today that the country has to adopt a biotechnology-driven approach to tackle pressing challenges in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

He was addressing the inaugural session of the 6th International Conference on Biotechnology in Health and Agriculture (ICBHA-2025) in the capital, said a press release.

The two-day conference, organized by the Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists (GNBB) in collaboration with Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, is being held under the theme "Addressing Environmental Challenges for Sustainable Health and Agriculture". The event also marks the 20th anniversary of GNBB's global activities.

Prof Abrar said, "We are standing at the threshold of a biotechnology revolution. Now is the time to seize this opportunity." 

He said that climate change and environmental degradation pose severe threats to health, food security and sustainability, and stressed that biotechnology can offer effective solutions in the health and agriculture sectors.

"We can't envision healthcare without agriculture, nor can we think of food security without environmental sustainability. This interconnection will guide our path forward," he added.

Citing Bangladesh's achievements, the adviser noted that the development of high-yield and resilient rice varieties, local production of COVID-19 test kits, and the use of microbial technology in waste management have already created success stories for the country. "These examples will inspire us to advance further," he said.

For future plans, he proposed the establishment of a National Biotech Innovation Institute, which would be managed by domestic and expatriate Bangladeshi scientists to bridge academia and industry, create employment, and transform Bangladesh into a biotechnology hub of South Asia. 

He also called for the creation of a National Biotech Data Bank, preserving high-quality data ranging from clinical records to plant and animal genome information.

"Science must be aligned with good governance, innovation with an inclusive approach, and policy with commitment," said Prof Abrar, adding, "This conference is therefore not just a gathering of scientists but a call to action for all stakeholders, including government, academia, industry, and civil society." 

Abdul Auwal Mintu, CEO of Multimedia Group Bangladesh, attended the event as a special guest.