Young creators offer beacon of hope in coastal area

In the climate-vulnerable coastal upazila of Koyra in Khulna, where rising salinity has been a long threat to agriculture, a group of young innovators is offering a glimpse of hope through science and creativity.

At the Startup, Science Project and Innovation Idea Showcasing Programme, students impressed visitors with practical, locally driven solutions aimed at overcoming the region’s agricultural challenges caused by climate change and increasing soil salinity.

Among the standout projects was an innovative model developed by students and teachers of Borobari Secondary School, which focused on ensuring sustainable irrigation in saline-prone areas.

The project demonstrated how harvested rainwater could be stored and used for farming, while also proposing a system to convert saline river water into freshwater for irrigation once rainwater reserves are depleted.

The team also showcased a low-cost polyhouse designed to enable year-round crop production, allowing farmers to grow vegetables beyond their normal seasons. In addition, the students presented a resilient seedbed model capable of withstanding heavy rainfall and science-based methods to protect crops from damage caused by rodents and animals.

The innovative ideas, inspired by local realities, drew widespread appreciation from visitors and guests, many of whom said such initiatives could pave the way for sustainable agriculture in Bangladesh’s coastal belt.

Ten educational institutions from Koyra participated in the competition. Borobari Secondary School secured first place, followed by Koyra Madinabad Government Primary School in second and Zakaria Shikkha Niketan in third.

The programme was held on Friday morning at the premises of Koyra Madinabad Government Model Secondary School. It was organized by the Educational Excellence Support Scheme (EESS), SEDP, and the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE), with support from the Koyra Upazila Administration and the Upazila Secondary Education Office.

Speaking as the chief guest, Khulna-6 MP Maulana Md Abul Kalam Azad praised the students’ creativity and presentation skills.

“I am truly amazed by the innovative ideas, projects, and presentations of the students from my constituency. Allah has blessed them with extraordinary talent. Their creativity and confidence give us hope for the future,” he said.

The lawmaker also expressed concern over the country’s growing brain drain.
“Many of our brightest young people leave the country and contribute their talents abroad. We must create opportunities at home so they can develop their potential here and become valuable assets for the nation,” he added.

The event was chaired by Koyra Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Abdullah Al Baki, while Upazila Secondary Education Officer Abul Kalam Azad delivered the welcome address.

Among others present were acting principal of Koyra Kapotakkho College Oliullah, principal of Koyra Aminiya Kamil Madrasa Maulana Yunus Ali, Koyra Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Maulana Mizanur Rahman, acting principal of Ghughrakati Fazil Degree Madrasa Maulana Sujauddin, headmaster of Koyra Madinabad Government Model Secondary School Ismail Hossain, alongside teachers, local dignitaries and journalists.

Organisers said the programme was designed to nurture research-oriented thinking, innovation and problem-solving skills among students. They expressed optimism that such initiatives would encourage locally developed solutions to local challenges and inspire a new generation of science-minded innovators in Bangladesh’s coastal communities