East West University Hosts Biotechnology Conference 2026, Highlighting Innovations in Agriculture, Health, and Sustainability
Jul 23, 2026
East West University (EWU) recently hosted the Biotechnology Conference 2026, centering on the theme “Biotechnology for Bangladesh: Agriculture, Health, and Sustainability.” Jointly organized by the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and the East West University Biotech Club. The proceedings were made possible through generous support from lead sponsor Kallol Group of Companies, co-sponsor ACI Limited, alongside partners including The Graduates, The Business Standard, MAMA, Biotech Concern, and Invent Technologies Ltd.
The conference commenced with a welcome address from Dr. Suraia Nusrin, Chairperson and Associate Professor of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at EWU. Professor Haseena Khan, Ph.D., Fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Professor at the Asian University for Women, and Retired Professor at the University of Dhaka, officially inaugurated the event as the Chief Guest. The inaugural ceremony also featured insightful remarks from Special Guest Professor Dr. Shams Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of EWU, and Event Chair Professor Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and Founding Vice-Chancellor of EWU.
Throughout the conference, dedicated panel sessions highlighted cutting-edge advances across agriculture, environmental science, and human health. Esteemed experts, including Prof. Dr. Zeba Islam Seraj, Prof. Dr. Md. Tofazzal Islam, and Dr. Jamilur Rahman, addressed pressing agricultural and environmental topics such as climate-resilient crop breeding, rice endophytes, bioinformatics, and the genome sequencing of local staples including jackfruit and hilsa. On the healthcare front, prominent researchers Dr. Munirul Alam, Dr. Muhammad Manjurul Karim, and Dr. Md. Shawkat Hossain delivered key insights into cholera transmission dynamics, antibiotic resistance, vitamin C synergy, and the local development of biosimilar pharmaceuticals.
Beyond academic discourse, the conference actively engaged the next generation of scientists through spirited student competitions. Deserving participants were recognized with awards in the Biotechnology Olympiads across Junior and Senior divisions, as well as the Idea-Based Poster, Research-Based Poster, and Bio Case Study Competitions. The successful gathering drew to a close with formal remarks and a vote of thanks from Prof. Dr. Tariqur Rahman, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to all speakers, partners, and attendees while reaffirming East West University’s commitment to spearheading research, innovation, and sustainability in Bangladesh's biotechnology sector.
