Bangladesh MOEF Secretary Bats for Biotech

Bangladesh needs to build its human and infrastructure capacity through resource mobilization and international collaboration. In particular, the country needs to focus on biotech research, development, and extension to improve the quality of life. Dr. Mihir Kanti Majumder, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) gave these remarks during the Stakeholder consultation for implementation of the National Biosafety Framework held on 25 October 2010 at MoEF. 

Dr. Majumder said that the 21st century is "predominantly for biotechnology without which we will not be able to manage food shortage in a changing environment." The workshop was attended by around 60 participants from universities, research institutes, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

Meanwhile, the South Asia Biosafety Program (SABP) organized a week-long training workshop entitled Safety assessment of foods derived from genetically engineered plants. It was organized by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, Department of Environment, and the MoEF. It was attended by members of the Biosafety Core Committee, scientists, and policy makers involved in the safety assessment of GE foods.

For more developments about crop biotechnology in Bangladesh, email Dr. Khondoker Nasiruddin of the Biotechnology Information Center at nasirbiotech@yahoo.com