Adviser warns against corporate control over genetic resources
Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has called on farmers, scientists and policymakers to prioritise the protection of local species and biodiversity, remain cautious of corporate control, and ensure the safe use of genetic technologies.
She made the remarks as the chief guest at the 1st International Conference on Life Science, Health and Biotechnology (LIFETECH 2026) held this morning at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST). The conference was organised by the Faculty of Biological Science and Technology of JUST to promote knowledge exchange, research expansion and stronger international collaboration in the fields of life science, health and biotechnology.
Farida Akhter said, "We support scientific innovation, but the use of natural resources under corporate control is not acceptable. Genetic modification may be necessary, but ownership and rights must always be aligned with the interests of local biodiversity." She added that protecting and sustainably utilising local species was essential to safeguarding Bangladesh's agricultural and aquatic resources.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
She cautioned that identifying plants or animals with numerical tagging through genetic modification technologies was unacceptable from both humanitarian and ethical perspectives, warning that such practices could deprive farmers cultivating local species of their rights.
The adviser said fish was not only a source of nutrition but also played an important role in skincare and cosmetic products, adding that any products developed should be accessible to all.
She noted that Bangladesh was rich in aquatic biodiversity, which was vital for the conservation and development of the country's aquatic resources. Highlighting cultural significance alongside taste, she said local bagda shrimp held special importance. Although some stakeholders in the fisheries industry had sought permission to import larvae for vannamei shrimp farming, the government had decided instead to halt such imports and focus on the development of indigenous golda and bagda shrimp species.
Special guests at the conference included Vice-Chancellor of Islamic University Professor Dr Naqib Muhammad Nasrullah, Vice-Chancellor of Khulna Agricultural University Professor Dr Md Nazmul Ahsan, Vice-Chancellor of Pabna University of Science and Technology Professor Dr SM Abdul Awal, and Treasurer of Jashore University of Science and Technology Professor Dr Hossain Al Mamun.
The conference was patronised by Vice-Chancellor of JUST Professor Dr Md Abdul Majid. Professor Dr M Mozammel Haque of the Department of Microbiology, University of Dhaka, attended as an honoured guest. The conference was convened by Dean of JUST Professor Dr Md Sherajul Islam.
Renowned local and international researchers, scientists, academics and subject experts participated in the conference.
Later in the afternoon, the fisheries and livestock adviser visited the Freshwater Sub-station of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute in Jashore. She inspected various activities of the centre and was briefed on progress in local fish production, research initiatives and technological development.
Director General of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute Dr Anuradha Bhadra, Chief Scientific Officer Dr Harun-or Rashid, Senior Scientific Officer and Sub-station Head Dr Akheri Naima, along with other officials and scientists, were present during the visit.
