Network of Young Biotechnologists of Bangladesh (NYBB) organized National Young Biotechnologists Congress recently for the 5th time to create a scope of networking among young Biotechnologists and engage them in biotech related activities outside of structured curriculum.
This year the event was held on 20 February at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building of University of Dhaka. Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of University of Dhaka was hosting the Congress, says a press release.
The inaugural session started with the welcome address of Md. Arif Khan, the Chief Executive Officer of NYBB and Lecturer of University of Development Alternative where he stated that the limitations of job opportunities for Biotechnologists and to solve this issue he drew attention of Dr. Kazi Shahidullah, Chairman of University Grants Commission.
The special guests Independence award winner Dr. Haseena Khan, Chairman and Professor of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology department of University of Dhaka, Dr. Zeba Islam Seraj, Director General of National Institute of Biotechnology, Dr. Md. Salimullah expressed their thoughts on this initiative of NYBB and appreciated young Biotechnologists for their active participation.
The chief guest of the event, Dr. Kazi Shahidullah said a few words stating his views on Biotechnology and its need in our country.
Dr. Nazmul Ahsan, Chairman and Professor of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Department of University of Dhaka, chaired this inaugural session. This session ended with vote of thanks from Mahmuda kabir, Chief Operation Officer of NYBB.
The first plenary lecture titled “Professor Ahmed Shamsul Islam Biotechnology Speech 2020” was from Sir Walter Bodmer, world-known human geneticist and cancer researcher of University of Oxford. More than 500 students and professionals attended the event.
After this session, a panel discussion on the topic “Challenges and Opportunities in Biotechnology as a career” took place where the panelists Dr. Zeba Islam Seraj, Professor Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Department of University of Dhaka, Dr. Anwarul Azim Akhand, Founder Chairman and Professor of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Department of University of Chittagong, Dr. Mohammad Al Forkan, Executive Director of Laal Teer Livestock Development Ltd., Dr. Kazi Emdadul Haque and Head of Grameenphone Accelerator, Minhaz Anwar discussed how the students should prepare themselves for their desired career path and what are the expectations of the job authorities or industrial sponsors.
This session was moderated by Dr. Mustak Ibn Ayub, a member of the Board of Directors of NYBB and Assistant Professor of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Department of University of Dhaka.
Later, Esco Lifescience Private Ltd. presented “10 Minutes on Biosafety” after which the competitions began. The first contest was Oral presentation in which 13 selected works were presented among 80 submitted abstracts. The Champion, first runner up and second runner-up of this competition were Lecturer Afrin Sultana from Noakhali Science and technology University, Afroza Akter from University of Chittagong and Rakib Wazed Nayon from Shahjalal Science and Technology University respectively.
In 3 Minute Biotech contest, students got the opportunity to explain their research work in Bangla. With 15 contestants, the semifinal took place on 19th February in Star labs from which 6 were selected for the final presentation in the congress.
After that, a Biotechnology hackathon was arranged for the first time in the country in which Team Super Bug 2.0, Team Sanryu and Team Biotech won the first, second and third place respectively with their presence of mind and biotechnology based knowledge.
Dr. Senjuti Saha, Microbiologist of Child Health Research Foundation presented the speech titled “Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Heroes of the field 2020” in which her journey in the field of science was voiced.
22nd L'Oréal-Unesco For Women in Science Award winner Dr. Firdausi Qadri, Emeritus Scientist of icddr,b and Founder of ideSHi gave the “Professor Naiyyum Chowdhury Memorial Speech 2020” titled speech which inspired the young biotechnology students to dream for developing the state of their country.
Professor of University of Dhaka and the most notable person in the history of Forensic Technology in Bangladesh, Dr. Sharif Akhteruzzaman guided students to achieve success in the path of their biotech career overcoming barriers of research work in his speech on the topic - “Research Excellence in Biotechnology: Obstacles to Overcome”.
At the last stage of the event, the necessity and prospects of Biotechnology was stated by Dr. Md. Tofazzol Islam, Professor and Director of Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad, Professor of Shahjalal Science and Technology University and Dr. Abdul Haque, Assistant General Manager and Head (Biotech plant) of Aristopharma Ltd. expressed their views on research opportunities in Biotechnology in their respective speeches.