JUST Hosts LifeTech-2026 Conference Emphasising Science-Led Food Security
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar has said that ensuring global food security requires the integrated application of science, health, and technology. She stressed that there is no alternative to science-based research for achieving sustainable development, food security, and proper nutrition. According to her, the fisheries and livestock sectors must be further strengthened through modern technology and innovative research.
She made these remarks on Saturday morning, 17 January, while speaking as the chief guest at the international conference titled “Life Science, Health and Biotechnology (LifeTech-2026)”, organised by the Faculty of Biological Science and Technology of Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST). The event was held at the Professor Mohammad Sharif Hossain Gallery of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Academic Building.
The objective of the conference was to bring together international research and innovation trends in life sciences, health, and biotechnology and to promote the advancement of scientific knowledge. The two-day international conference was attended by teachers, researchers, and students from various universities at home and abroad. Research paper presentations, poster sessions, and scientific discussions on life science, health, and biotechnology were held throughout the event.
In her keynote speech, Farida Akhtar said that there is no alternative to conferences and seminars of this nature to improve the quality of university research and elevate it to international standards. Referring to Bangladesh as a nation of “fish and rice,” she noted that the country has made significant progress in fish production and exports. Fish, she added, are not only rich in protein but also contain special nutrients beneficial for skin health.
She described the southern region of the country as a sanctuary of fish, highlighting the continued success of local farmers in cultivating diverse fish species. To further accelerate this progress, several effective policy decisions have already been taken. She expressed hope that university-based research would add a new dimension to these efforts.
As the chief patron of the conference, JUST Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Abdul Majid highlighted the achievements of the Faculty of Biological Science and Technology. He said the faculty is not only excelling in research but is also applying modern scientific knowledge to create new opportunities for fish farmers and flower cultivators across the Khulna region. He added that international conferences like this serve as vital platforms for knowledge exchange among students and researchers and help foster collaboration and goodwill between local and international scholars.
At the inaugural session, speeches were also delivered by Professor Dr M Mozammel Haque, Vice President of the Asian Federation of Biotechnology, as an honoured guest. Special guests included Islamic University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Nakeeb Mohammad Nasrullah, Khulna Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Nazmul Ahsan, JUST Treasurer Professor Dr Hossain Al Mamun, Conference Convener and Dean of the Faculty of Biological Science and Technology Professor Dr Md Sirajul Islam, and Conference Organising Secretary Professor Dr Md Aminur Rahman.
The conference was attended by local and foreign researchers, discussants, deans of various faculties, department chairpersons, teachers, and students of JUST. The programme was conducted by Sazzad Hossain Rupom and Shanta Sen, students of the Faculty of Biological Science and Technology.
DBTech/MNH/AM/OR
