Photo: BSS

KHULNA, May 5, 2026 (BSS) - Khulna University (KU) and BRAC today signed a 
memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen research, innovation and 
sustainable development initiatives in coastal regions.

KU Treasurer Prof Dr Md Nurunnabi and BRAC Senior Director Hossain Ishrat 
Adib signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organisations.

The signed copies of the agreement were later exchanged in the presence of KU 
Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim.

Among others, Director of Student Affairs Prof Dr Md Najmus Sadat, Provost of 
Khan Jahan Ali Hall Prof Dr Md Khasrul Alam, IQAC Director Prof Dr Md 
Mostafizur Rahman and representatives of BRAC were present at the signing 
ceremony.

Under the agreement, field-level research activities will be conducted 
through collaboration between KU's Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology 
(FMRT) Discipline and BRAC's relevant programmes to develop and apply need-
based, climate-resilient water management and aquaculture technologies in 
climate-affected coastal areas.

The initiative will include laboratory-based research alongside field 
experiments, data collection and active participation of local communities.

As part of the programme, laboratory assessments will be conducted on 
salinity, arsenic, iron and other elements to strengthen the scientific basis 
of water management and determine water quality and usability.

The initiative aims to help local entrepreneurs and communities select 
appropriate technologies based on local conditions and needs.

The two organisations will also work to reduce the harmful environmental 
impacts caused by saline wastewater discharged from conventional reverse 
osmosis (RO) filters through the development and application of improved and 
effective water management technologies and methods.

In addition, joint research will be carried out to develop improved fish 
species and climate-smart, cost-effective aquaculture technologies suitable 
for different coastal environments, particularly benefiting small and 
marginal farmers.

The MoU also emphasises effective utilisation of science, technology and 
human resources to enhance the capacity and sustainable livelihoods of 
vulnerable coastal communities.

Stakeholders expressed hope that the agreement would open a new dimension in 
research and development cooperation between KU and BRAC and play an 
effective role in promoting climate-resilient development in coastal regions.