Establishing International-Standard DNA Lab Planned

To meet the growing demand for DNA testing for the capital’s 2.5 crore population, an internationally standard modern DNA laboratory will be established in Dhaka, said Professor Dr. AZM Jahid Hossain, Minister for Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs.

He made the announcement while presiding over a meeting of the Forensic DNA Laboratory Advisory Council on Sunday, April 12, at the National Science and Technology Complex in Agargaon.

The minister further stated that existing DNA screening laboratories at the divisional level will be gradually upgraded into fully functional DNA profiling laboratories.

During the meeting, he highlighted the technical limitations of the current laboratory infrastructure, noting that forensic DNA laboratory equipment is over 15 years old, resulting in reduced operational efficiency. He stressed the urgent need to install new and modern machines to ensure sample purity and accurate reporting. He also instructed the Department of DNA Laboratory Management under the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs to bring all forensic DNA reports and sample data under an integrated national database.

It is noted that the country’s first National Forensic DNA Profiling Laboratory was established in 2006 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital to support the prevention of violence against women and children. Currently, screening facilities are available in eight medical college hospitals across the country, including Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Barishal. The meeting also discussed key issues related to modernization of laboratories, including amendments to DNA laws and regulations, recruitment of skilled manpower, and determination of sample testing fees.

The event was attended by Women and Children Affairs Secretary Yasmin Parveen NDC, Director General of the DNA Laboratory Management Department Shabnam Mostari, and senior officials from various government ministries.

DBTech/MRI/MUIM/OR