Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma spoke at the inaugural ceremony of the three-day International Conference and Bioscience Carnival today. Photo : BSS

RANGAMATI, May 16, 2025 (BSS) – Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma today highlighted the immense potential of the CHT as a fertile ground for scientific research, urging the young scientists to play a vital role in advancing the progress of this potential region.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the three-day International Conference and Bioscience Carnival, he underscored the vast research opportunities within the CHT, which covers one-tenth of the country’s landmass. 

He noted that Kaptai Lake and the region’s agricultural prospects provide an exciting platform for young researchers to make groundbreaking discoveries.

Rangamati University of Science and Technology (RUST) organized the conference at the district tourism corporation hall during May 16 to May 18, aimed to inspire innovation and foster scientific exploration in the promising CHT.

With RUST Vice-Chancellor and ICBC Chairman Professor Dr Md Atiyar Rahman in the chair, Member of Bangladesh University Grants Commission, Fellow and Scientist of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Professor Dr Md Saidur Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of Bangladesh Medical University Professor Dr Shahinul Alam, and Chairman of Rangamati Hill District Council Agriculturist Kajal Talukder were present as special guests.

The plenary session of the conference, themed “Innovations and Collaborations in Bioscience, Biosafety, and Biosecurity: A Quest for Sustainable Healthcare and Agricultural Advancement,” featured distinguished speakers, including Dr Abed Chowdhury, a renowned genetic scientist and the discoverer of multi-stem rice, Dr Asadul Gani, Head of Biosafety at ICDDR,B, and Professor Dr Munira Ahsan, from the Pharmacy Department of Dhaka University.

The event was attended by Shuchana Akhtar, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at RUST, Dhiman Sharma, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, Saddam Hossain, Proctor and Assistant Professor of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Dr Nikhil Chakma, Chairman and Assistant Professor of Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Dr Supriyo Chakma, Assistant Professor of Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, and Vice-Chancellors of various universities in Bangladesh.

The adviser emphasized that this event would inspire hope among the hill people as Rangamati University of Science and Technology marks its eleventh year of academic excellence.

He further stated that the conference would empower Bangladesh to assert itself globally in a new and impactful way.

More than 350 scientists and researchers will present their groundbreaking studies, while young scientists will introduce fresh research ideas. Additionally, engaging science debates will foster dialogue and innovation in advancing scientific development in Bangladesh.

The carnival, scheduled for the second and third days of the conference, will take place at the Rangamati University of Science and Technology campus. Here, research findings on healthcare and agricultural innovations in Bangladesh will be showcased, along with discussions on their practical applications.