The Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) has the potential to become a global epicenter for bioscience and agricultural research, said Supradip Chakma, Adviser for CHT Affairs, while inaugurating a three-day International Conference and Bioscience Carnival in Rangamati on Friday.
Speaking as the chief guest at the District Tourism Corporation Hall, Supradip Chakma urged young scientists to explore the CHT’s vast ecological, agricultural, and freshwater resources to make transformative discoveries. He said the region, which constitutes nearly one-tenth of Bangladesh’s landmass, is a "living laboratory" waiting to be explored.
“Kaptai Lake alone offers immense scope for aquatic research and innovations in sustainable fisheries,” he said. “Similarly, the fertile hills and valleys hold promise for climate-resilient agriculture and biodiversity studies.”
The event, organized by Rangamati University of Science and Technology (RUST), marks the institution's 11th year of academic excellence and aims to inspire youth-driven scientific exploration in the CHT and beyond.
Chaired by Rangamati University of Science and Technology (RUST) Vice-Chancellor and ICBC Chairman Professor Dr Md Atiyar Rahman, the inaugural session was attended by several distinguished guests. These included a member of the Bangladesh University Grants Commission and fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, the Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University, and the Chairman of the Rangamati Hill District Council, all of whom expressed their support for harnessing the CHT's untapped research potential.
The plenary session, themed “Innovations and Collaborations in Bioscience, Biosafety, and Biosecurity: A Quest for Sustainable Healthcare and Agricultural Advancement,” featured keynote addresses by several eminent scientists. Among them were a globally renowned geneticist known for discovering multi-stem rice, the head of biosafety at ICDDR,B, and a prominent professor from the Pharmacy Department at the University of Dhaka. Their insights highlighted the importance of collaborative research in addressing healthcare and agricultural challenges in Bangladesh and beyond.
More than 350 scientists and researchers from both Bangladesh and abroad are taking part in the conference. Young scholars are also poised to present innovative research ideas, adding fresh perspectives to the discourse on sustainable scientific advancement.
According to RUST’s academic leadership, the CHT’s rich genetic biodiversity, indigenous agricultural techniques, and ecological uniqueness make it a natural laboratory for interdisciplinary research in biotechnology, environmental science, public health, and food security.
“This conference is not just an academic gathering. It’s a symbol of hope and inclusion for the people of the hills,” said Chakma. “It reflects how education and research can bridge gaps and empower communities.”
On the second and third days of the event, the RUST campus will host a Bioscience Carnival, showcasing healthcare and agricultural innovations relevant to Bangladesh’s sustainable development goals (SDGs).The carnival includes science debates, research exhibitions, and discussions on translating findings into practical community-based solutions — a step toward democratizing science in a region that has long been underrepresented in national development agendas.
As global climate challenges mount and the need for resilient agriculture and healthcare systems grows, experts believe the CHT could become Bangladesh’s answer to sustainable innovation.
BOB Post
