Prime Minister urges biotechnologists to address climate change impacts

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged biotechnologists to play an important role in meeting the basic needs of the country's growing population and addressing the adverse impacts of climate change.

"The knowledge of biotechnology is essential to face the challenges of the 21st century. Biotechnological research and implementation of its findings should be strengthened to attain the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Vision-2041," she said in a message issued on the occasion of the National Biotechnology Fair-2019.

"I do believe the country's scientists and researchers will make a significant contribution to meeting the basic needs of the country's growing population and addressing the adverse impacts of climate change," she added.

Sheikh Hasina said the greatest Bangalee of all times and Father of the Nationa Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had dreamt of building a hunger- and poverty-free, developed and prosperous Sonar Bangla through optimum use of science of technology.

"With participation of all, we are heading towards the development and progress aiming to fulfill the dream of the Father of the Nation," she said.

The National Institute of Biotechnology started its journey on May 12, 1999, the premier said, adding "Later, we passed the National Institute of Biotechnology Act in 2009. As a result, this institute has gained the capacity to reach its products and technology at field level by conducting research in agriculture, healthcare, environment and industrial sectors."

At the same time, she said, the National Institute of Biotechnology is contributing to building skilled manpower.

Sheikh Hasina said the government is implementing a Taka 504-crore 'Establishment of National Gene Bank Project' through the National Institute of Biotechnology aiming to preserve and collect genetic resources.

She wished the success of the National Biotechnology Fair-2019.