Photo: BSS

KHULNA, May 6, 2026 (BSS) - Khulna University (KU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Md Rezaul Karim today said the Institute for Integrated Studies on the Sundarbans and Coastal Ecosystems (IISSCE) has been established as a result of long-term planning and efforts, and it would broaden the scope of Sundarbans-centric research.

Highlighting the importance of the Sundarbans as a national pride and a world heritage site, the Vice Chancellor stressed the need to develop the institute into a "global hub" for research by ensuring international standards.

He said different disciplines of the university, including Forestry and Wood Technology, Environmental Science, Soil, Water and Environment and Fisheries and Marine Resource Technology, would jointly participate in multidisciplinary research.

He made the remarks at the first meeting of the Board of Governors of the IISSCE on the campus, marking the beginning of a new journey for the institute.

The meeting was held at the institute's conference room with Prof Karim in the chair.

The meeting discussed and approved several crucial issues, including the introduction of master's and certificate courses under the institute, amendments to its ordinance, approval of research programmes, arrangement of international conferences, provision of research fellowships and budget approval.

Prof Karim expressed hope that the institute would play a significant role in strengthening research to conserve coastal biodiversity, to face climate change impacts and achieve sustainable development goals.

He also emphasized strengthening collaboration with national and international researchers, development partners and policymakers to expand knowledge-based research, and called for applying research findings at the field level to improve the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Among others, IISSCE Director and Board Member Secretary Prof Dr Md Raihan Ali, Prof Dr Mohammad Al Amin of Chittagong University, Prof Dr Md Masudur Rahman of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Prof Dr Md Nabiul Islam Khan and Prof Dr Md Nazmus Sadat of KU and Associate Professor Dr Mohammad Rakibul Hasan Siddiqui of IISSCE were present at the meeting.