Keynote Speaker: 

Yasuyuki Sawada

• Professor, Faculty of Economics, The University of Tokyo
• Former Chief Economist, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• Ph.D. in Economics, Stanford University

Keynote Topic:

The Bangladesh Miracle and Challenges

In this talk, Professor Sawada will discuss Bangladesh's impressive economic and social progress, often regarded as a 'miracle,' achieved despite numerous challenges. The country has made remarkable advancements under difficult conditions, including weak governance, political instability, inequality, rapid urbanization, and severe disaster risks. As such, this talk will explore the factors driving this success and the challenges it brings, such as pandemic recovery, with the goal of identifying effective policy interventions that other developing countries might adopt.

Plenary Speaker: 

Mirza Hasanuzzaman

• Professor, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Ph.D. in Plant Stress Physiology, Ehime University, Japan

Plenary Topic:

Sustainable Crop Production in Bangladesh: Navigating Climate Change and Embracing Agriculture 4.0

Abstract:

Bangladesh, an agrarian economy supporting over 170 million people, faces critical challenges in sustaining food security and agricultural productivity. The sector's vulnerability to climate change, compounded by rising sea levels, erratic weather, and soil salinity, significantly impacts crop production, especially in coastal regions. With over 85% of rural households relying on agriculture, adopting sustainable practices and advanced technologies is imperative for resilience and long-term growth. The country is implementing climate-smart agricultural strategies, including integrated pest management, organic farming, and developing climate-resilient crop varieties. These practices aim to enhance soil health, preserve biodiversity, and reduce dependence on synthetic inputs. Techniques such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and conservation tillage are gaining traction, contributing to sustainable intensification and environmental conservation. Innovative solutions like seaweed extracts, nano-fertilizers, and enhanced biofertilizers are being explored to improve nutrient use efficiency and minimize environmental impact. For example, nano-potash supplementation has shown the potential to boost crop yields while reducing fertilizer usage, which is crucial for sustainable agriculture. These practices are aligned with the broader adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) approaches. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) offers new opportunities through technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and big data analytics. These tools enable precision farming, smart irrigation, and real-time crop monitoring, enhancing decision-making and resource use efficiency. Initiatives under the Smart Bangladesh Vision are promoting digital agriculture, though challenges remain due to limited infrastructure, financial constraints, and technical skill gaps. Government support, international collaboration, and targeted farmer education are essential to overcoming these barriers. By integrating climate-smart practices and leveraging Agriculture 4.0, Bangladesh aims to ensure sustainable crop production, enhance resilience, and secure long-term food security. Coordinated efforts will be key to achieving these goals and meeting the country's development targets.

Plenary Speaker: 

Md Moshiur Rahman

• Associate Professor, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Japan
• Ph.D. in Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Japan

Plenary Topic:

Enhancing Adolescent Reproductive Health in Rural Bangladesh: Anemia Prevalence, Associated Factors, and the Role of mHealth Interventions

Abstract:

Adolescent reproductive health in rural areas of developing countries faces several interconnected challenges, affecting both health and social outcomes. In many rural regions, educational programs are limited or absent about menstruation, contraception, and other health topics, resulting in misinformation or a complete lack of awareness. Anemia is a significant public health challenge, especially among adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh, largely due to limited nutritional knowledge and poor dietary intake. This study evaluated the effects of a mobile health (mHealth) education intervention aimed at increasing hemoglobin levels, improving knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to anemia, and fostering healthier lifestyles among adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh. In this school-based randomized control trial, 138 adolescent girls with anemia were randomized into intervention (n=69) and control (n=69) groups. The intervention group received mHealth-based counseling and health education over eight months, while the control group received standard care. Primary outcomes included increased hemoglobin levels and anemia reduction, while secondary outcomes assessed improvements in KAP, BMI, mid-upper arm circumference, and hip and waist measurements. Results showed significant hemoglobin increases in the intervention group, with a 25.8% recovery rate compared to 13.6% in the control group. Additionally, the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in BMI, body measurements, and KAP scores related to anemia. These findings highlight mHealth’s potential as an effective tool in addressing anemia in rural Bangladeshi adolescents, supporting broader implementation of mobile health interventions for improving adolescent health in low- and middle-income settings. This study also investigated irregular menstruation among adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh, finding a 22% prevalence. Abdominal obesity was a significant risk factor, while a father’s education was a protective factor. The study highlights the need for school-based health screenings, nutrition and lifestyle education, and reproductive health awareness for adolescents.

Plenary Speaker: 

Md. Shoaib Bhuiyan

• Professor, Faculty of Medical Engineering, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Japan
• Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan

Plenary Topic:

How artificial intelligence (AI) is changing healthcare and related fields

Abstract:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare by improving patient experience, advancing population health, lowering costs, and supporting care team well-being. This talk will introduce machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) as core components of AI, illustrating how these technologies shift from traditional programming to data-driven learning. Key ML concepts, including supervised and unsupervised learning and classification workflows, will be explored to demonstrate how data is imported, preprocessed, and applied in predictive models. These tools enable AI to support real-world healthcare applications, such as enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatments, and improving resource management. Alongside these advancements, ethical and regulatory considerations are essential, as AI’s integration into healthcare raises issues of data privacy, fairness in algorithms, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks. These measures are crucial for fostering trust and ensuring equitable access to AI-driven healthcare solutions. Consistent with healthcare’s four primary aims—improved patient experience, population health, lower costs, and care team well-being—this shift to data-centric approaches holds meaningful implications across healthcare sub-disciplines, driving a new era of innovation and care delivery.