'Promote research on CHT medicinal plants'

Special Assistant of the Chief Adviser Raja Debashish Roy addresses a seminar at Barc conference hall in the city yesterday. On his left are BNF Chairman Dr MA Hakim and Debtec Executive Director Dr Ferdousee. Photo: PB

Speakers at a seminar yesterday urged the caretaker government to promote research on medicinal plants of Chittagong Hill Tract as these plants can be used in making medicine and nation can save around Tk 100 crore per year.
They also said that income of the CHT local people would be increased by 20 percent if medicinal plants are grown in the region and get proper market access.
Debtec-Development of Biotechnology and Environmental Conservation Centre and Bangladesh Neem Foundation (BNF) jointly organised the seminar styled 'Medicinal Plants of Chittagong Hill Tracts: Problems and Prospect' at Barc Centre in the city.
Special Assistant of the Chief Adviser Raja Debashish Roy attended the seminar as the chief guest.
“Globally, the demand of medicine plants is now increasing and around 85 billion dollar is needed to meet the global need. We can be more benefited from the medicinal plants if government takes proper measures especially setting up research firm and conduct research in the CHT areas,” Raja Debashish said.
He also said vast numbers of medicinal plants are being destroyed due to lack of awareness.
M Serajul Islam, secretary of the president, said government would assist those people who try to grow medicine plants.
Among others, Debtec Executive Director Dr Ferdousee and BNF Chairman Dr M A Hakim spoke in the seminar.