Dhaka, Sep 26 (V7N) – Education Advisor Professor Dr. C. R. Abrar emphasized that Bangladesh should move toward a biotechnology-driven future to address health, agriculture, and environmental challenges. He made the remarks at the inaugural session of the 6th International Conference on Biotechnology in Health and Agriculture (ICBHA 2025) in the capital on Friday.

In his address, Dr. Abrar said, “We are on the threshold of a biotechnology revolution. Climate change and environmental degradation are posing serious threats to health, food security, and sustainability. Biotechnology offers effective solutions in these sectors.”

Highlighting Bangladesh’s achievements, he cited the development of high-yielding and climate-tolerant rice varieties, local production of Covid-19 test kits, and the use of microbial technology in waste management as success stories that can inspire further progress.

Dr. Abrar proposed establishing a National Biotech Innovation Institute, combining local and expatriate expertise, to bridge academia and industry, generate employment, and position Bangladesh as a biotech hub in South Asia. He also called for a national biotech data bank to store high-quality data ranging from clinical records to plant and animal genome information.

The two-day conference, organized in collaboration with the Global Network of Bangladesh Biotechnologists (GNOBB) and Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, carries the theme: “Environmental Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Health and Agriculture.” The event also marks GNOBB’s 20th anniversary of global activities.

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