Adviser Farida Akhter today spoke as the chief guest at North South University. Photo : PID

DHAKA, Jan 23, 2026 (BSS) - Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter today emphasized the need to protect biodiversity and natural resources to effectively confront the adverse impacts of climate change, which the World Health Organization has identified as one of the biggest threats to global health in the 21st century.

"Today we are talking about the climate change, surfacing a concern of terrifying future. But if we can protect our biodiversity and natural resources than we will be able to face strongly whatever the changes to come," she said.

The adviser made the remarks while addressing the Saraswati Puja, one of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community, as the chief guest at North South University this evening.

She said the significance of Goddess Saraswati is not limited to religion alone but is deeply connected to culture and humanity. Culture and music, she added, are powerful mediums for spreading knowledge and awakening the human spirit.

Highlighting the symbolism of Goddess Saraswati, Farida Akhter noted that the goddess represents a woman, and women are at the root of knowledge. She said people receive their first lessons in life from their mothers, grandmothers and sisters.

She further observed that rural women farmers possess deep practical knowledge, knowing when to sow seeds and how to achieve better yields, which reflects their wisdom and understanding of nature.

The event was presided over by North South University Vice-Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury. Among others, Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Nesar Uddin Ahmed, Treasurer Professor Abdur Rab Khan and Dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences Professor Dipok Kumar Mitra were present at the religious function.