Agrilife24.com:The 8th National Scientific Conference on Food Safety and Health organized by the Bangladesh Society for Safe Food (BSSF) was held in Dhaka on Saturday (9 May 2026) under the theme “Ensuring Safe Food towards a Sustainable Future”. The conference brought together researchers, academics, policymakers and development professionals to discuss food safety, nutrition and sustainable agricultural systems in Bangladesh.
The inaugural session was chaired by BSSF President Professor Dr. Md. Khaled Hossain and moderated by General Secretary Dr. Mohammad Sarwar Jahan. State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, MP, attended the event as the chief guest.
Addressing the conference, the state minister said the current BNP government is working relentlessly to meet the safe and nutritious food needs of the country’s 180 million people. He stressed the need to revitalize Bangladesh’s rich agricultural and food heritage through stronger research initiatives and effective dissemination of research-based technologies to farmers.
He also highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts among the government, researchers, agriculturists and stakeholders to ensure food safety and nutrition for all. Praising the awareness and research initiatives of BSSF, he thanked the organization for its continued contribution to promoting safe food practices.
Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) Md. Shahzaman Khan and Bangladesh Food Safety Authority Chairman (additional charge) Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar attended the program as special guests. President of the Bangladesh Poultry Industries Central Council (BPICC) Moshiur Rahman was present as an honored guest.
The keynote paper at the inaugural session was presented by former Member Director (Fisheries) of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC), Dr. Md. Monirul Islam. The closing session was attended by Executive Chairman of BARC Dr. Md. Abdus Salam as the Chief Guest. Representatives and senior officials from WorldFish, Heifer International-Bangladesh and CAB International (CABI) also joined the conference as special guests.
This year’s “Safe Food Award 2026” was presented to entrepreneur Md. Sohel Rana from Sapahar upazila of Naogaon district for his contribution to safe food initiatives.
A total of 15 research papers were presented in three scientific sessions covering health, food and nutrition; safe food production and processing; and food safety and microbiology. Four additional papers were presented during a special scientific session focusing on WorldFish, Heifer International Bangladesh, CABI International and the nutritional value of mushrooms. Around 70 research posters were also displayed at the conference.
The conference was co-organized by WorldFish, Heifer International Bangladesh, CAB International (CABI) and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). Inter Agro Bangladesh served as the platinum sponsor, while Nourish Group and Paragon Dairy joined the event as gold and silver sponsors respectively of the event.
