Calls for innovation-driven agriculture and transparent campus planning
Agri-Tech Can Boost Jobs: UGC Member
- Agri-tech expansion can create new employment
- Greater focus needed on research and agri-innovation
- UGC urges transparent land selection for permanent campus
University Grants Commission (UGC) Member Professor Dr. Abdullah-Al-Mamun has said expanding Bangladesh's agri-tech industry could create significant new employment opportunities while accelerating rural economic development.
Speaking at a seminar titled "The Role of Agriculture in Ensuring Food Security," he said technology-driven agricultural research, innovation and entrepreneurship can unlock new growth opportunities for agriculture-dependent districts such as Kurigram.
He stressed that government investment in agricultural technology should directly benefit students, researchers and young entrepreneurs. Alongside agro-based industries, he highlighted the potential of agri-tourism as another avenue for regional economic development.
At a separate coordination meeting on selecting land for the permanent campus of Kurigram Agricultural University, Dr. Mamun emphasized transparency and long-term planning in site selection. He recommended prioritizing government-owned khas land over productive agricultural land and called for measures to prevent speculative land price increases during the acquisition process.
He also urged all stakeholders to work together beyond political and personal differences to establish the university, adding that the UGC aims to finalize the permanent campus site within this year.
Before the meeting, the UGC member visited several proposed campus locations, participated in a tree plantation program at the university's female dormitory and exchanged views with local higher education stakeholders.
The programs were attended by Kurigram Deputy Commissioner Annapurna Debnath, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Rashedul Islam, the district police superintendent and representatives of civil society.
//DBTech/IHU/MIS//
