Agrilife24.com:The Agriculturalists Association of Bangladesh (AAB) and the NARS Scientists Association of Bangladesh (NARSSAB) held a cordial exchange and consultation meeting on 10 December 2025 at Seminar Room–1 of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), Farmgate, Dhaka. Senior leaders of AAB attended the event, where scientists from twelve national agricultural research institutions participated and shared constructive insights.
Participants represented key NARS institutions, including the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture, Bangladesh Sugarcrop Research Institute, Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute, Soil Resource Development Institute, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Bangladesh Sericulture Research and Training Institute, Bangladesh Cotton Development Board, and the Bangladesh Institute of Applied Nutrition and Training.
Scientists presented several rational proposals to the AAB leadership aimed at strengthening and energizing the national agricultural research system. They also sought cooperation and support in addressing long-standing issues related to research and human resources. The meeting was presided over by Dr. Md. Moshiur Rahman, Chief Scientific Officer of BARI and Convener of NARSSAB. Special appreciation was extended to participants who traveled from distant regions, expressed by H. M. Saifullah Azad, Principal Scientific Officer of the Cotton Development Board.
As per the BARC Act 2012, the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) encompasses 14 specialized research institutions that, for decades, have significantly contributed to food and nutrition security and the national economy through the development of innovative technologies, high-yielding varieties, and modern agricultural solutions. To enhance cooperation, knowledge sharing, professional advancement, and institutional welfare among scientists of these institutions and BARTAN, the NARS Scientists Association of Bangladesh (NARS-SAB) was formally established on 28 October 2025.
In accordance with its constitution, NARSSAB formed a partial convening committee during the General Council meeting held on 03 December 2025 at BARC, with unanimous support from scientists representing various NARS institutions. Subsequently, at today’s meeting, BARC Member-Director Dr. Mohammad Rafiqul Islam formally announced the full 39-member central convening committee.
Dr. Md. Moshiur Rahman (Chief Scientific Officer, BARI) was declared Convener, and Dr. Md. Al-Mamun (Principal Scientific Officer, BJRI) was named Member-Secretary of the central committee. Joint Conveners include Dr. Md. Golam Mahbub (BARC), H. M. Saifullah Azad (Cotton Development Board), Dr. A. K. M. Rashedul Islam (BSRI), Dr. Sadeq Ahmed (BLRI), Dr. Md. Golam Kibria Bhuiyan (BRRI), and Dr. Md. Mostofa Khan (BWMRI).
A brief presentation on the structure, objectives, and activities of NARSSAB was delivered by Dr. Md. Golam Mahbub of BARC. Distinguished scientists from multiple research organizations also attended, including Dr. Shah Md. Monir Hossain, Dr. Faridul Alam, Dr. Md. Amirul Islam, Dr. A. K. M. Shahadat Hossain, Dr. Mohammad Ashiqur Rahman, Dr. Md. Rakibul Hasan, Dr. Md. Momtaz Ali, Dr. Sweety Shahinur, Dr. Md. Shamsul Arefin, Dr. Md. Ashadul Alam, Dr. Md. Zahir Ullah, Dr. Md. Nurul Huda Al Mamun, Dr. Md. Shariful Islam, and Dr. Faruk Ahmed.
The meeting was conducted by Dr. Md. Al-Mamun, PSO and Member-Secretary of NARSSAB. In his address as Chief Guest, AAB Convenor Kamaruzzaman Kaiser affirmed a commitment to collaborative efforts for the advancement of agricultural research and the welfare of scientists across the country. Additional remarks were delivered by AAB Member-Secretary Shahadat Hossain Biplob, Joint Convenor Shahadat Hossain Chanchal, Dr. Shafiqul Islam Shafiq, Professor Abul Basher, and Professor Jamshed Alam, Member.