“Our research and innovations must be patented,” BAU VC

BAU Correspondent: Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan has stressed the need for patenting research and innovations to ensure recognition and financial benefits for researchers while contributing to national development.

“South Korea is a remarkable example in this regard. The government there invests heavily in research and reaps the rewards. We, too, must patent our research and innovations. This will benefit researchers and ultimately the nation,” he said.

The VC made the remarks on Tuesday at the Faculty of Agriculture auditorium while addressing a workshop on “Food Fortification to combat malnutrition in Bangladesh" as the chief guest.

Describing the event as a vital awareness-building initiative, he noted that despite growing awareness, the absence of proper control has left people vulnerable to diabetes, hypertension and other complications. “If we can implement these ideas in real life, raise awareness, and conduct targeted research, the country will move forward,” he added.

The VC also emphasized the importance of involving other universities, government agencies, and civil society alongside BAU and BINA (Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture) to make such initiatives more effective. “We are working to establish a Center of Excellence, which will play a pivotal role in research, education, and public awareness. For that, collaboration with universities and government institutions is crucial,” he said.

The workshop was jointly organized by the BAU's Professor Muhammed Hussain Central Laboratory (PMHCL) and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

Dr. Sariful Haque Bhuiya, Director General of BINA, and Dr. Ashek Mahfuz, Lead at GAIN, attended the event as special guests. The session was chaired by Prof Dr. Md. Amir Hossain, Director of PMHCL, who also delivered the welcome speech. Prof Dr. Md. Mahmudul Alam, Associate Director of PMHCL, conducted the program.

Discussions focused on conducting feasibility studies for establishing a Food Fortification Centre, developing a national food fortification strategy, strengthening food quality control and market monitoring, and designing training and research programs tailored to national needs. The workshop also highlighted motivating small and medium enterprises to spearhead production of fortified foods in the country.