Biotech Breakthroughs for Bangladesh’s Betterment
Bangladesh must advance toward a biotechnology-driven future to achieve sustainable solutions in health, agriculture, and the environment, observed Education Adviser Professor Dr. C. R. Abrar.
“We are standing at the threshold of a biotechnology revolution. This is the time to seize the opportunity. Climate change and environmental degradation are becoming dire threats to health, food security, and sustainability. Biotechnology in health and agriculture can provide effective solutions to meet these challenges,” he said.
Dr. Abrar made these remarks on Friday, September 26, at the opening session of the 6th International Conference on Biotechnology in Health and Agriculture (ICBHA 2025), held in Dhaka. Abdul Awal Mintoo, CEO of Multimedia Group Bangladesh, attended as special guest.
The two-day international conference, organized by the Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists (GNOBB) in collaboration with Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, is being held under the theme “Environmental Challenges and Remedies for Sustainable Health and Agriculture.” The event also marks GNOBB’s 20th anniversary of global activities.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Abrar stressed that health cannot be imagined without agriculture, nor food security without environmental sustainability. “This interconnection will guide our path forward,” he noted.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s progress, he cited the development of high-yield and climate-resilient rice varieties, the local production of COVID-19 testing kits, and the use of microbial technology in waste management as success stories. “These examples inspire us to move further ahead,” he added.
For future planning, Dr. Abrar proposed establishing a National Biotech Innovation Institute. He explained that the proposed institute would be run jointly by local and expatriate Bangladeshi scientists, serving as a bridge between academia and industry. It would also create employment opportunities and transform Bangladesh into a South Asian biotech hub.
He further called for the creation of a National Biotech Data Bank to preserve quality data ranging from clinical records to plant and animal genomes.
“Science must be aligned with good governance, innovation with an inclusive approach, and policy with commitment,” Dr. Abrar emphasized.
He described the conference not merely as a gathering of scientists, but as “a call to action” for government, academia, industry, and civil society alike.
