Biotech Bottleneck: Bangladesh Graduates Struggle for Scope
Although biotechnology is considered one of the most promising fields for employment, research, and innovation worldwide, Bangladesh continues to face a significant shortage of career opportunities in the sector. Despite having qualified graduates, many institutions do not even allow them to apply for positions related to their field.
As a result, nearly 45 percent of the 1,700 biotechnology graduates Bangladesh produces annually fail to secure jobs aligned with their academic background. Notably, no agricultural research institution in the country currently accepts applications from graduates in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Similarly, around 50 percent of the nation’s pharmaceutical companies—lacking awareness of the biotechnology curriculum and training—do not allow such specialized graduates to apply, even when they possess relevant qualifications.
These issues were highlighted at a roundtable discussion titled “Challenges and Prospects of Biotechnology in the Job Market”, held on Friday, October 31, at the auditorium of the Center for Advanced Research in Sciences, University of Dhaka. The event was organized by the Network of Young Biotechnologists of Bangladesh (NYBB).
The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr. Adnan Mannan, Director of NYBB and faculty member at the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Chittagong. He presented the “alarming scenario” and asked the expert panel how these barriers could be effectively addressed.
As a potential “one-stop solution,” guest speaker and Vice-Chancellor of Pabna University of Science and Technology, Professor Dr. S. M. Abdul Awal, emphasized the need for the National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) to play a more active role in resolving employment challenges for biotechnologists.
Highlighting the relevance of biotechnology in industrial research, production, and innovation, Beximco Pharmaceuticals Manager Md. Monirul Islam stressed the importance of coordination between academia and industry to help integrate biotechnology into the pharmaceutical sector.
The keynote data were described as “concerning,” and the chief guest, Professor Dr. Md. Sagir Ahmed, Director General of the National Institute of Biotechnology, assured that “collective efforts must be made to overcome these barriers.” He added, “A regulatory body should be established to guide biotechnology education, curricula, and employment frameworks in Bangladesh. The NIB will ensure priority for biotechnologists in relevant sectors. Meetings with government advisers, ministers, and secretaries should also be arranged to raise awareness about the issue.”
The discussion was moderated by Dr. Mushtaq Ibne Ayub, faculty member of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Dhaka. Among the distinguished guests were Professor Dr. Md. Anwarul Azim Akhand, Vice-Chancellor of Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University; and Professor Dr. Mohammad Nazmul Ahsan, Treasurer of Gopalganj University of Science and Technology.
Panel speakers—Professor Dr. Sumaiya Farah Khan of Jagannath University, Professor Dr. Rezaul Karim of Jahangirnagar University, and Professor Dr. Nazmul Hasan of Jessore University of Science and Technology—discussed employment opportunities and current challenges faced by biotechnology graduates.
Other participants included biotech company CEO M. A. Wadud, IEDCR Scientific Officer Arif Khan, BRAC University faculty member Mahmuda Kabir, Gopalganj University teacher Abdullah Al Zobayer, SUST student Towhidul Islam Sijan, and DU student Sarup Hasan.
The speakers called for joint initiatives by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education, as well as outreach programs to familiarize institutions and industries with biotechnology curricula and skills. They also suggested engaging the Public Service Commission (PSC) and arranging meetings with agricultural scientists. Plans for organizing a symposium to inform pharmaceutical companies about biotechnology potential were also proposed.
The roundtable was co-hosted by the Bangladesh Association of Biotechnology Graduates (BABG) and the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Club of the University of Dhaka, with sponsorship from Biotech Concern.
