Youth Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology opens at NSU

The 3rd Youth Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology opened at North South University (NSU) on Saturday, highlighting the role of research and innovation in strengthening food security.

The two-day event is jointly organised by NSU, OIC-COMSTECH, and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS). Policymakers, academics and international representatives attended the event.

Among the distinguished guests were chief guest Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, advisor to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Science and Technology; M.A. Kashem, member of the Board of Trustees, NSU; Aziz Al Kaiser, chairman of the Board of Trustees, NSU; Benajir Ahmed, member of the Board of Trustees, NSU; Yeasmin Kamal, member of the Board of Trustees, NSU; Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, Assistant Director-General of IOFS; Guest of Honour Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH; Prof Dr Hafizur Rahman, COMSTECH Focal Person for Bangladesh; Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Vice-Chancellor of NSU; and Prof Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer and Pro-Vice Chancellor (In-Charge) of NSU.

Prof Dr Hafizur Rahman, COMSTECH Focal Person for Bangladesh, in his welcome address said, "Biotechnology can reshape the way we tackle agricultural and nutritional challenges. Our youth must take ownership of this journey and transform knowledge into practical solutions for humanity."

Dr Salehuddin Ahmed noted Bangladesh's progress in food production. "Bangladesh has achieved food self-sufficiency, and I must thank our genome scientists for this success," he said. "Biotechnology will play a pivotal role in enhancing nutrition, resilience, and productivity in agriculture. We must further increase investment in education and research in these sectors and promote adaptive technologies to secure our agricultural future."

Ambassador Khusrav Noziri of IOFS called for stronger international collaboration. "Food security is a collective challenge that demands global cooperation. This forum enables young scientists to share knowledge and build networks. Our priority must be a sustainable and secure food system, and genome technology should be applied safely, transparently, and ethically to gain public trust."

Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, said, "Here we begin a new chapter of collaboration. Food security is a major challenge, and we are addressing it through science and technology. The future of food security lies in empowering our youth with the right tools and opportunities."

Aziz Al Kaiser, Chairman of NSU's Board of Trustees, highlighted the role of innovation. "Agriculture has always been the backbone of human civilization, and today biotechnology provides new pathways for food security," he said. "Through innovation, we can create sustainable solutions for farmers and ensure long-term food stability. This forum is not just academic—it reflects NSU's commitment to excellence in education and research."

M.A. Kashem, Member of NSU's Board of Trustees, said, "NSU was established with a dream to reach moments like this. Today, we focus on education, research, and collaboration. We aim to create a platform that drives innovation, promotes research, and advances agricultural development."

Benajir Ahmed, Member of the Board of Trustees, stressed collective action. "We have the resources and manpower to make a difference. I urge the OIC to prioritise initiatives for the Muslim community, particularly in agriculture, biotechnology, and food security, so that science and innovation can drive sustainable development across our region."

Chairing the session, NSU Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said, "We must ensure that the food for future generations is safe and sustainable. Genome editing is a powerful tool, and in a gene-driven world, it will shape the future. This forum demonstrates the value of knowledge-sharing. By engaging students and young researchers, we are nurturing a generation ready to address the critical challenges of food security."

Prof Abdur Rob Khan, Treasurer and Pro-Vice Chancellor (In-Charge), concluded with a vote of thanks, "Today's dialogue has set the tone for meaningful collaboration. Together, academia and international organisations can pave the way for a food-secure future."

The session ended with a group photo and networking opportunity. Over the next two days, technical sessions will feature speakers from Turkey, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and other countries.