Despite biotechnology playing a significant role in Bangladesh’s development and progress, the country’s central biotechnology institution, the National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB), has long been overlooked by policymakers. For the first time, this barrier has been broken with the appointment of Dr. Shahedur Rahman, a professor at Jahangirnagar University, as the Director General of NIB.
Following his appointment, Dr. Rahman has received congratulations from various sectors, transcending political affiliations. On Sunday, more than 150 professors from different universities expressed their congratulations on his appointment. Organizations such as the Network of Young Biotechnologists of Bangladesh (NYBB), Bangladesh Association of Biotechnology Graduates (BABG), and several biotechnology alumni associations across the country’s universities extended their felicitations.
Among those who extended their congratulations were prominent academic figures such as Dr. Abu Reza, Professor of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at Rajshahi University; Dr. Adnan Mannan from Chittagong University; Dr. Ahsan Habib from Khulna University; Dr. Mushtaq Ibn Ayub from the University of Dhaka; Dr. Minnatul Karim Akhand from Islamic University, Kushtia; and Dr. Masudar Rahman from Jessore University of Science and Technology. Additionally, professors from universities such as Shahjalal University of Science and Technology and Noakhali University of Science and Technology also sent their regards.
Notably, many of these educators praised Dr. Rahman for his leadership role during various student movements, including the ’24 Mass Uprising, where he provided safe shelter for students amidst police and gang attacks.
The biotechnologist community views Dr. Rahman’s appointment as a critical development, citing the need for someone with expertise in biotechnology to lead the country’s central biotech institution. Dr. Rahman has consistently championed the cause of biotechnologists in Bangladesh, advocating for greater utilization of their skills in critical sectors such as public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has also been a prominent figure in the formation of biotechnology curricula across universities and has served as the founding president of the Bangladesh Association of Biotechnology Graduates (BABG).
Dr. Rahman’s colleagues believe that his leadership will help NIB fulfill its potential as a key player in the country’s biotechnology sector, enabling it to drive innovation in agriculture, health, and other industries.
Despite the global recognition of biotechnology’s importance, especially in the post-COVID era, Bangladesh has lagged in investing in research, strengthening institutional capacity, or repatriating talented individuals from abroad. Dr. Rahman’s appointment is seen as a hopeful step towards addressing these shortcomings.
