Biotech Breakthroughs Spotlighted at JUST’s First National Conference

The Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (GEBT) at Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST) hosted its first-ever national conference on Saturday, May 31, highlighting advancements in gene editing, synthetic biology, bioinformatics, and the production of eco-friendly bioproducts.

Titled “First National Conference and Training on Emerging Trends in Biotechnology,” the event commenced at 10:30 AM at the university’s central gallery. Faculty members and students from 12 universities across the country participated in the daylong conference.

JUST Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Majid attended the event as the chief guest. In his opening remarks, he said, “A conference carnival has begun at JUST, and today’s national conference is part of this month-long celebration. The main goal of this carnival is to inspire teachers and students toward research. I believe that new innovations from JUST will bring positive contributions to the nation. Since the job market in the biotech sector is not yet well established in our country, most of our students move abroad. If we can create a local job sector for biotechnology and foster new entrepreneurship, this department will bring great benefit to the nation.”

The keynote speaker was Professor Dr. Kazi Mohammad Didarul Islam from Khulna University. Other distinguished speakers included Professor Dr. Mohammad Zakir Hossain from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Associate Professor Dr. S. M. Mahbubur Rashid from the University of Dhaka. The speakers presented detailed research findings and developments through slide presentations on topics such as genetic research in the context of Bangladesh, innovations in biotechnology, molecular research, and the application of biotechnology in the medical field.

Following the first session, a poster presentation took place with participation from students of various universities. In the afternoon, a hands-on training workshop titled “Hands-on Training on Computational Biology: Primer Designing” was conducted. At 4:30 PM, a certificate distribution ceremony was held along with the award presentation to the winners of the poster session.

Special guests included JUST Treasurer Professor Dr. Hossain Al Mamun and Dean of the Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, Professor Dr. Md. Sirajul Islam.

The conference convener and Chair of the GEBT department, Professor Dr. Md. Nazmul Hasan, addressed the audience, alongside department professors Dr. Sheikh Mizanur Rahman, Dr. Md. Ziaul Amin, Dr. A. M. Saraj, Associate Professor Dr. Md. Shahedur Rahman, and Dr. Md. Abdur Rauf Sarker. The event was conducted by GEBT students Arnab Kumar Sen and Shanta Sen.