JUST Hosts First National Conference on Environmental Science and Technology
A two-day national conference focusing on environmental elements, impacts, conservation, and the role of scientific innovations in environmental management was organized by the Department of Environmental Science and Technology (EST) at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST). This marked the department’s first-ever national conference.
The event, titled “Challenges in Environmental Science and Technology,” commenced on June 1 (Sunday) at the university’s central gallery. The conference began with a moment of silence in memory of EST student Molla Abir Hossain of the 2023–24 academic session. Faculty members and students from various departments of the university participated in the event.
Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Majid, Vice-Chancellor of JUST, was present as the chief guest. In his address, he stated, “Through conferences like this, students will gain knowledge and become research-oriented. The more seminars, conferences, and workshops students attend, the more skilled they will become. Creating a skilled workforce is our primary goal. Only a skilled workforce can transform our nation into a developed one.”
Referring to the changing climate patterns in the country, he added, “With the global climate changing rapidly, our own weather is also shifting. You must focus on how to face this challenge while preserving environmental balance. Your research can help build a beautiful, livable country—and world.”
The Vice-Chancellor further urged students to identify threats to the environment and work towards finding solutions through research. He noted, “Most rivers in our country are drying up, and significant weather changes are being observed. I hope you will work on these issues through research, for the betterment of the country and the nation.”
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Md. Jamal Uddin from the Department of Environmental Sciences at Jahangirnagar University. Virtual keynote speakers included Professor Dr. Tatsufumi Okino from Hokkaido University in Japan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Dr. Md. Saifur Rahman, and Professor Dr. Mujibur Rahman from Khulna University. The speakers presented detailed research findings, challenges, and developmental strategies in environmental science and technology through slide presentations.
Following the first session, a poster presentation began at 4:00 PM, featuring students from different departments of the university. The second day of the conference will include a training workshop titled “Training and Certification on Environmental, Health and Safety” at 9:30 AM. A certificate distribution and award ceremony for poster presentation winners will be held at 3:00 PM.
Special guests at the conference included Professor Dr. Hossain Al Mamun, Treasurer of JUST, and Professor Dr. Shirin Nigar, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Technology. The event also featured remarks by the conference convener and Chair of the EST Department, Professor Dr. Gopal Chandra Ghosh, as well as faculty members Dr. K.M. Delwar Hossain, Associate Professor Dr. Moumita Chowdhury, Dr. Nazneen Nahar, Assistant Professor Tapas Kumar Chakraborty, and Dr. Md. Sabbir Hossain. The conference sessions were moderated by EST students Ashiqur Islam and Safina Abritti.
