Habiganj Agricultural University hosted the ISAE “8th Animal Welfare Workshop in Bangladesh, 2026”
on Thursday, 7th May, bringing together distinguished academics, researchers, veterinarians,
policymakers, and livestock industry stakeholders from Bangladesh and abroad. The workshop was
organized in collaboration with the International Society for Applied Ethology under the theme,
“Enhancing Animal Welfare and Human Coexistence Through Ethological Insights.”
The event reflected the university’s growing commitment to advancing research, innovation, and
international collaboration in the fields of animal welfare, sustainable livestock management, and applied
ethology. Through this prestigious global platform, Habiganj Agricultural University reaffirmed its vision
of becoming a leading center for academic excellence and internationally aligned livestock research in
Bangladesh.
The inaugural session was graced by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Syed Sayeem Uddin Ahmed as the
Chief Guest. In his address, the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the critical importance of animal welfare in
ensuring sustainable livestock production, improving public confidence in animal-derived products, and
strengthening Bangladesh’s competitiveness in international export markets. He highlighted that scientific
understanding of animal behavior and welfare standards has become indispensable for developing a
modern and globally recognized livestock sector.
Special addresses were delivered by Professor Dr. Md. Jalal Uddin Sarder, who underscored the necessity
of integrating welfare-focused practices into livestock production systems and academic research. The
workshop also featured recorded keynote messages from internationally renowned experts Dr. Oluwaseun
Iyasere and Professor Dr. Maria José Hötzel, further enriching the global dimension of the program. The
keynote speakers delivered their speeches were Assistant Professor Dr. Md. Ridoan Pasha, Professor Dr.
M. Ariful Islam, Associate Professor Dr. Mst. Ishrat Zerin Moni, Professor Dr. Md. Rafiqul Alam,
Registrar Dr. Gopal Chandra Biswas, and Associate Professor Dr. Jashim Uddin. In addition, the faculty
members of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science actively attended and participated in
the workshop discussions. Dr. Rahima Akther Dipa served as the Program Coordinator of the workshop.
Moderated by Dr. Mst. Ishrat Zerin Moni, the day-long workshop included a series of technical sessions
focusing on animal behavior, cattle and poultry welfare, international compliance standards, policy
development, research advancement, and export preparedness. Participants engaged in insightful
discussions on how welfare-oriented livestock practices can contribute to both ethical responsibility and
economic sustainability.
The successful organization of the workshop demonstrated Habiganj Agricultural University’s expanding
role in fostering international academic engagement and promoting evidence-based approaches to
livestock development. The speakers collectively expressed optimism that such initiatives would
significantly enhance awareness of animal welfare in Bangladesh while paving the way for a more
sustainable, humane, and internationally competitive livestock industry.
The program concluded with an interactive open discussion session, the presentation of certificates to
speakers and participants, and recommendations for future collaborative initiatives in animal welfare
research and education.