Jashore: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today called upon the farmers, scientists, and policymakers to protect indigenous species and biodiversity and to remain cautious about the impacts of corporate control and ensure the use of safe genetic technologies. She made the remarks this morning while speaking as the chief guest at the 1st International Conference on Life Science, Health and Biotechnology (LIFETECH 2026) at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST).
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the conference aimed at promoting knowledge exchange, research expansion, and international cooperation in the fields of life sciences, health, and biotechnology. Organized by the Faculty of Biological Science and Technology of JUST, the event emphasized the need for scientific innovation balanced with the protection of natural resources. Farida Akhter stated that while genetic modification may be necessary, it should align with the interests of local biodiversity, warning against the corporate control of natural resources.
She further highlighted the ethical concerns of identifying plants or animals by numbers through genetic modification technologies, as it could undermine the rights of farmers cultivating local species. The Fisheries Adviser stressed the multifaceted value of fish, extending beyond nutrition to skincare and cosmetics, and advocated for accessibility of these products to all individuals.
Farida Akhter remarked on Bangladesh’s rich aquatic biodiversity, crucial for conserving and developing the country’s aquatic resources. She noted the significance of indigenous black tiger shrimp (Bagda) for their taste and cultural value. Rejecting the import of vannamei shrimp fry, the government has chosen to focus on indigenous shrimp development.
The conference featured special guests including Vice-Chancellors Prof Dr Naqib Muhammad Nasrullah, Prof Dr Md Nazmul Ahsan, Prof Dr S M Abdul Awal, and Treasurer Prof Dr Hossain Al Mamun. It was patronized by JUST Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Md Abdul Majid, with distinguished guest Prof Dr M Mozammel Haque of the University of Dhaka and conference convener Prof Dr Md Sherajul Islam.
Renowned researchers, scientists, academics, and relevant experts participated in the conference. In the afternoon, the Fisheries and Livestock Adviser visited the Freshwater Sub-Station of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) in Jashore, where she toured the facilities and was briefed on local fish production, research activities, and technological advancements.
The visit included BFRI Director General Dr. Anuradha Bhadra, Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Harunur Rashid, Senior Scientific Officer and Sub-Station Head Dr. Akheri Naima, along with other officials and scientists.