A daylong consultative workshop on the potential of genome editing technology for developing climate-resilient rice varieties was held in Gazipur. The event took place on Saturday at the BRAC Agricultural Research and Development Centre as part of a special research project funded by the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences. It was chaired by Professor Dr. Md. Tofazzal Islam, with Gazipur Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. GKM Mostafizur Rahman as chief guest and biotechnologist Professor Hasina Khan as special guest.

Speakers emphasized that modern genome editing could provide timely and effective solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security amid growing climate challenges. Researchers from several universities and institutions presented progress on developing rice varieties tolerant to salinity, drought, heavy rainfall, and diseases. Technical sessions covered guide-RNA design, genome editing applications, and biosafety issues related to rice variety release.

The workshop concluded with a strategic plan to develop and commercialize genome-edited, climate-resilient rice within three years, highlighting collaboration between academic and industrial partners to advance Bangladesh’s agricultural innovation.