Adviser Farida Akhter today ‍spoke as the chief guest at the 1st International Conference on Life Science, Health and Biotechnology, at Jashore University of Science and Technology. Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today called upon the farmers, scientists and policymakers to protect indigenous species and biodiversity and to remain cautious about the impacts of corporate control and ensure the use of safe genetic technologies.

She made the remarks this morning while speaking as the chief guest at the 1st International Conference on Life Science, Health and Biotechnology (LIFETECH 2026), at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) with the aim of promoting knowledge exchange, research expansion and international cooperation in the fields of life sciences, health and biotechnology. 

The conference was organized by the Faculty of Biological Science and Technology of the JUST.

“We support scientific innovation but the use of natural resources under corporate control is not acceptable, genetic modification may be necessary but ownership and rights must always be aligned with the interests of local biodiversity”, she said, adding that safeguarding country’s agricultural and aquatic resources is possible through the protection and sustainable use of indigenous species.

She also cautioned that identifying plants or animals by assigning numbers through genetic modification technologies is not acceptable from a humanitarian and ethical perspective, as it may deprive farmers who cultivate local species of their rights.

The Fisheries Adviser noted that fish are not only a source of nutrition but also important for skincare and cosmetic uses. She emphasized that any product developed should be easily accessible to all people.

Farida Akhter said Bangladesh is rich in aquatic biodiversity which is essential for the conservation and development of the country’s aquatic resources. 

She particularly mentioned that indigenous black tiger shrimp (Bagda) are significant not only for their taste but also for their cultural value. Although some stakeholders in the fisheries industry applied for permission to import fry for farming vannamei shrimp, the government decided instead to halt such imports and focus on the development of indigenous Galda and Bagda shrimp.

Vice-Chancellor of the Islamic University Prof Dr Naqib Muhammad Nasrullah, Vice-Chancellor of Khulna Agricultural University Prof Dr Md Nazmul Ahsan, Vice-Chancellor of Pabna University of Science and Technology Prof Dr S M Abdul Awal and Treasurer of the JUST Prof Dr Hossain Al Mamun were present as special guests at the function.

The conference was patronized by JUST Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Abdul Majid. Distinguished guest Prof Dr M Mozammel Haque of the Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, was also present. The conference convener was Prof Dr Md Sherajul Islam, Dean of the JUST.

Renowned local and international researchers, scientists, academics and relevant experts participated in the conference.

Later in the afternoon, the Fisheries and Livestock Adviser visited the Freshwater Sub-Station of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) in Jashore. During the visit, she toured various facilities of the center and was briefed on local fish production, ongoing research activities, and progress in technological development.

At the time, Director General of BFRI Dr. Anuradha Bhadra, Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Harunur Rashid, Senior Scientific Officer and Sub-Station Head Dr. Akheri Naima, along with other officials and scientists, were present.