The Department of Economics within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) hosted a seminar titled "Agriculture and its prospects in Sustainable Development in Bangladesh." This event took place on Monday, August 14, 2023, in the AIUB Auditorium. The seminar was conducted as part of the esteemed "Dr. Anwarul Abedin Lecture Series," which aims to foster student engagement by facilitating interaction with experts in specific fields, thus enriching the pursuit of factual and meaningful education.
The seminar was honored by the presence of Mr. Ishtiaque Abedin, Founder Member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), who served as the special guest for the occasion. The distinguished Keynote Speaker for the seminar was Mr. Shykh Seraj, Director and Head of News at Channel i, as well as an agricultural activist in Bangladesh.
During his keynote speech, Mr. Seraj provided insights into the evolution of the agricultural sector in Bangladesh since its independence. He emphasized the significance of agriculture in sustaining people's livelihoods, generating employment opportunities, and contributing to the nation's GDP. Mr. Seraj highlighted that the economy is driven by three key sectors: agriculture, ready-made garments (RMG), and remittances. He emphasized that the offspring of farmers play vital roles in these sectors, sending earnings back to their rural families. This financial support, often invested in farming initiatives, has not only bolstered the economy but also empowered youth, particularly women. Mr. Seraj also touched upon the emergence of agricultural tourism and addressed the challenges posed by climate change. He stressed the importance of integrating new agricultural technologies to adapt to changing conditions and facilitate sustainable development.
Following Mr. Seraj's keynote speech, an interactive discussion session was held, allowing students and faculty members to engage with the guest speaker. Mr. Ishtiaque Abedin, Founder Member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at AIUB, emphasized the necessity of modernizing agricultural practices through cutting-edge technology to address current socio-economic challenges. He underscored the importance of exploring viable pathways for sustainable development in Bangladesh. Mr. Abedin expressed his gratitude for Mr. Shykh Seraj's presence and contributions as the keynote speaker, concluding with appreciation for the enthusiastic audience. A token of appreciation, along with a crest, was presented to Mr. Seraj by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees at AIUB.
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