Conduct agri-research for food security
Urges president at the 1st convocation of Sylhet Agricultural University
President Abdul Hamid has put emphasis on ensuring fair price of agricultural products to continue the ongoing development trend in the country's agriculture sector.
He has also asked the authorities concerned of agricultural and veterinary universities to conduct research works keeping in mind the people's food demand and security by 2100.
The president was addressing the first convocation of Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU) on its campus yesterday, reports UNB.
"To maintain this trend of agricultural development, we must ensure fair prices of agricultural products…," said Abdul Hamid.
"Apart from this, it is necessary to create skilled human resources as well as to develop skilled manpower in the preservation and diversification of perishable products. Agricultural universities will have to play a leading role in this regard."
Referring to the tremendous development in the country's agricultural sector, the president, also the chancellor of the university, lauded the contribution of all concerned, including the government, experts, researchers, agriculturists and farmers for inventing technology-based environment-friendly agricultural products.
He asked the graduates to work together to ensure food and nutrition security.
"Play a leading role to rebuild a 'Sonar Bangla', the long-cherished dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," he said.
In the era of globalisation and knowledge-based economy, the president said a university must survive in the global competition by means of its individual characteristics and also by ensuring institutional relevance and quality, adds BSS.
"A huge potential is available in water bodies, fertile land and vast open fields here. Sylhet Agricultural University has the opportunity to carry out research activities," he observed, wishing continued success and progress of the university.
Former Bangladesh Bank governor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, also chairperson of the Board of Trustees of East West University (EWU), delivered the convocation speech.
Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Professor Abdul Mannan, SAU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr M Golam Shahi Alam, among others, spoke.
Meanwhile, during the day-long tour to Sylhet, President Hamid visited the shrines of two eminent Muslim saints -- Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shahparan (R).
The president's spouse Rashida Khanam, education minister and local lawmakers, among others, accompanied him.