Khulna University hosts ADM-CRAFT workshop to advance climate-resilient agriculture, food security and adaptive delta management in coastal Bangladesh. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, July 19, 2026 (BSS) – An inception workshop of an international research project titled “Adaptive Delta Management for Climate Resilient Agriculture and Food Security in South-West and South-Central Coastal Bangladesh (ADM-CRAFT)” was held at Khulna University (KU) today.

Funded by the Netherlands Research Council (NWO), the project is being jointly implemented by Khulna University, Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU), and Wageningen University & Research of the Netherlands.

Speaking as the chief patron, KU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim said the university, located in the climate-vulnerable southwest coastal region, witnesses the impacts of climate change firsthand. 

He said coastal ecosystems, climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, agriculture, water resources, and sustainable development remain among the university's key research priorities.

He expressed hope that the ADM-CRAFT project would establish an effective "Living Lab" in the coastal region, opening new avenues for climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and international research collaboration.

PSTU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. S.M. Hemayet Jahan, who addressed the workshop as the chief guest, said salinity remains the greatest challenge facing Bangladesh's coastal region despite its diverse environmental problems. 

He noted that increasing salinity is forcing many people to leave their homes while adversely affecting the coastal ecosystem.

He described the ADM-CRAFT project as a timely and significant initiative to strengthen climate resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities. 

Speaking as the guest of honour, Water Affairs Representative at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, Niltje Kielen, said the project represents an important example of research collaboration between Bangladesh and the Netherlands.

She stressed that no single institution or country can address the complex challenges of climate change alone, highlighting knowledge-sharing and joint action as the project's key strengths.

PSTU Treasurer Prof. Md. Abdul Latif attended the programme as a special guest.

Professor Dr. Md. Ikhtiar Uddin, principal investigator of the project and a professor at PSTU, delivered the welcome address and later presented the keynote paper as the project's chief investigator.

Co-principal investigator Prof. Dr. Kamrul Hasan introduced the project's objectives and implementation framework.
The workshop concluded with an open discussion where researchers, academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders exchanged views on climate risk management, adaptive delta management, enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security in coastal areas, and strengthening international research cooperation.