Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Jan 22, 2026 (BSS) - Vice-Chancellor of Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET) Professor Dr Md Maksud Helali today said students' innovative knowledge and skills must be effectively utilised to address future challenges and build an advanced and modern Bangladesh.

He said national-level academic events play an important role in enhancing students' creativity and generating new ideas, particularly for the development of the country's industrial sector.

The KUET VC made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a day-long National Chemical Fest titled "Reactra 1.0" at the conference room of the university's Student Welfare Center this morning.

The fest was organised by the Department of Chemical Engineering of KUET with Prof Dr Md Ashraful Islam, head of the department, presiding over the programme. Director (Student Welfare) Prof Dr B M Ikramul Haque addressed the event as a special guest.

Students from various universities and educational institutions across the country are participating in the national chemical fest.

The two-day festival features case study competitions, poster presentations, gaming contests, material and energy balance events, and a special attraction titled "Chem-E-Car", a competition involving chemically powered cars.

The fest, scheduled to run on January 22 and 23, 2026, offers a prize pool of more than Tk 3 lakh and includes several technical sessions and exhibitions, providing students with opportunities to showcase their innovative projects.