Sustainable Solutions Spotlighted at JUST Engineering Conference
Research and innovation are the key drivers of sustainable development, said Dr. Iyarul Kabir, Vice-Chancellor of Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST). He noted that the world is currently standing at a critical crossroads, where war and instability on one hand, and unprecedented challenges such as climate change, energy insecurity, and resource limitations on the other, are threatening humanity. To overcome these crises, policy discussions alone are not enough; committed research and innovation are essential, he added.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at the 2nd International Conference titled “Engineering and Technology for Sustainable Development,” organised by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at the Professor Mohammad Sharif Hossain Gallery of the National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam Academic Building at JUST on Friday, 15 May. Researchers and students from various universities across Bangladesh participated in the conference.
In his speech, the JUST Vice-Chancellor said integrating modern technology with sustainable approaches is no longer optional for Bangladesh; rather, it has become essential for the future of humanity and the nation itself. Since the dawn of civilisation, engineering has played a crucial role in transforming society into a modern one, he said. From infrastructure development to renewable energy, smart agriculture to artificial intelligence, and environmentally friendly manufacturing to sustainable transportation, engineering innovations are continuously reshaping society.
However, he stressed that technological advancement must be grounded in ethical responsibility, environmental awareness, and social equity. True development cannot be measured solely through economic growth; environmental protection, human welfare, and justice must also be ensured, he added.
He further said universities and research institutions have a special responsibility in this transformation. As centres of excellence and innovation, they must prepare future engineers and scientists who are not only technologically skilled but also socially responsible and globally aware.
The keynote paper at the conference was presented by Dr. Muhammad Usman Ghani Khan, Professor of the Computer Science Department at University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Pakistan. He delivered research-based findings on “Engineering and Technology for Sustainable Development” through a slide presentation.
Another keynote presentation was delivered virtually by Dr. Selim Ahmed, Professor of the Process Engineering Department at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN), Canada. The speakers elaborated on why students should prioritise sustainable development research and highlighted the growing global demand for such studies. They also answered various research-related questions from interested students.
Poster presentations and technical sessions began after the keynote presentations. The international conference concluded at 4:30 pm with an award distribution ceremony.
Speaking as convener of the conference, Faculty of Engineering and Technology Dean Dr. Imran Khan addressed the audience. Co-conveners included Professor Dr. H M Zakir Hossain of the Petroleum and Mining Engineering Department, Dr. Md. Kamrul Islam, Chairman of the Computer Science and Engineering Department, and conference secretary Professor Dr. Md. Jahangir Alam of the Chemical Engineering Department.
Deans of various faculties, department chairpersons, teachers, and students of JUST were also present at the conference. The keynote session was moderated by Professor Dr. Biplob Kumar Biswas of the Chemical Engineering Department, while the overall event was conducted by Lecturer Jahedul Islam of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department and Lecturer Anika Anjum of the Biomedical Engineering Department.
DBTech/NH/EK/OR
