CUET Symposium Stresses Research and Renewable Energy for Sustainable Future

Senior Secretary of the Government of Bangladesh and Chairman of the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC), Mohammad Wahid Hasan NDC, emphasized the indispensable role of research in national development, stating, “A country progresses through research. Development efforts cannot advance without it. Bangladesh faces numerous challenges, and research is essential to solving them. We must identify every problem and employ research to find effective solutions. Our research outcomes must contribute meaningfully to the nation's progress and public welfare, and for that, all stakeholders must be aware and committed.”

He made these remarks as the chief guest at a national symposium titled “Innovation Power Infrastructure: Advancing Clean Affordable Energy for Bangladesh’s Future,” jointly organized by the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET) and the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC). The event was held on Wednesday, July 23, at CUET’s central auditorium.

CUET Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Mahmud Abdul Muttin Bhuiyan, Additional Secretary to the Government and BEPRC Member Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, and Dean of CUET’s Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Dr. Kazi Delwar Hossain attended as special guests and keynote speakers.

Professor Dr. Md. Raju Ahmed of the EEE Department at Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET) delivered the keynote address, while BEPRC Director (Innovation) Dr. Hasan Mahmud spoke in a technical session. The symposium was chaired by Professor Dr. Tofayel Ahmed, Head of CUET’s EEE Department, and moderated by Professor Dr. Rashed Md. Murad Hasan of the same department.

In his special remarks, Professor Dr. Mahmud Abdul Muttin Bhuiyan highlighted the importance of clean energy in tackling climate change and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), saying, “Clean energy is essential, timely, and globally regarded as a reliable source of power. Renewable energy is emerging as a beacon of hope. It is the key to equitable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable development.”

He further stressed the need for policy clarity, well-defined targets, and proactive efforts to raise awareness and demand for renewable energy in Bangladesh, concluding, “With such efforts, we can build a cost-effective and sustainable energy future.”