East West University (EWU) hosted its first Biotechnology Conference 2026 on 18 July, focusing on biotechnology in agriculture, healthcare and sustainable development in Bangladesh.

The Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and the EWU Biotech Club jointly organised the conference under the theme “Biotechnology for Bangladesh: Agriculture, Health and Sustainability,” according to a press release.

The programme began with the EWU theme song, followed by welcome remarks from the Chairperson of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Associate Professor Dr Suraia Nusrin.

Chief Guest Professor Haseena Khan, PhD, a fellow of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (BAS), formally inaugurated the conference after being invited as chief guest.

EWU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Shams Rahman, along with East West University Board of Trustees Chairperson and Founding Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mohammed Farashuddin, also addressed the opening ceremony.

The conference featured two technical sessions led by experts in different fields of biotechnology.

The first session focused on agriculture and the environment, with a keynote address by Dr Zeba Islam Seraj. Professor Dr Md Tofazzal Islam and Dr Jamilur Rahman also delivered presentations during the session.

The second session centred on health and medical sciences. Dr Munirul Alam delivered the keynote address, followed by presentations from Dr Muhammad Maniurul Karim and Dr Md Shawkat Hossain.

Students demonstrated their research knowledge and analytical abilities through three competitive segments: the Bio-Olympiad, held in junior and senior categories; the Bio Case Study; and the Scientific Poster Presentation.

The conference concluded with addresses by EWU Treasurer Air Cdre (Retd) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury and Professor Mohammad Tariqur Rahman, followed by a cultural performance by students.

The organisers congratulated the competition winners and thanked the participants, faculty members, volunteers and members of the Biotech Club’s executive panel for contributing to the event.

The Business Standard served as the conference’s official media partner, while The Graduates served as the youth engagement partner.