Gazipur Agricultural University (GUKAS) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed an agreement on 16 March 2025 at the university’s Academic Council conference room to develop and implement an effective method for transforming fish waste into resources.

The initiative is part of under UNDP’s Local Government Initiative on Climate Change (LoGIC) project, aimed at promoting sustainable, innovative, and community-based development solutions, supported by UNCDF, Sweden and Denmark.

Professor Dr. J.K.M. Mostafizur Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of GUKAS, attended the event as the chief guest along with Dr. M. Moynul Haque, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of GUKAS; Professor Dr. Md. Safiul Islam Afrad, Treasurer; and UNDP Bangladesh’s Assistant Resident Representative, Sarder M Asaduzzaman.

Principal Investigator (PI), Professor Dr. S.M. Rafiquzzaman, presented the key note paper on the potential of fish waste management. He explained that repurposing fish waste into reusable materials such as collagen, gelatin, and fish silage could significantly reduce environmental pollution while positively impacting the economy.

Speaking at the event, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Sarder M Asaduzzaman emphasized the importance of research collaborations with GUKAS, stating, “UNDP’s commitment to sustainable development is reflected in the ongoing research projects at GUKAS. In this regard, the university can be seen as the DNA of sustainable development.”

He further expressed UNDP’s interest in expanding future projects with GUKAS to strengthen mutual cooperation.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mostafizur Rahman thanked UNDP for its support, remarking, “This agreement marks a groundbreaking milestone. GUKAS’s Faculty of Fisheries is dedicated to advancing the fisheries sector in Bangladesh.”