This time Bangladesh decodes hilsa genome

A group of scientists from Bangladesh Agriculture University (BAU) have successfully decoded the genome of hilsa- national fish of Bangladesh.   

It was unveiled through a press conference held at the university on Saturday.

Dr Shamsul Alam, a professor of Fisheries Biology and Genetics, leads the research team. The others members are- Professor Dr Bazlur Rahman Molla, Professor Shahidul Islam and Dr Golam kader khan.

From now on, Bangladesh Agriculture University (BAU) and the country’s fisheries sector have entered a new genome research era. 

Dr Shamsul Alam said: “Now it is proved that Bangladeshi researches have lots of capabilities and efficiencies.”

This is a milestone for the country’s fisheries sector.

Referring to the necessity of this, Dr Shamsul Alam- who led the research team- said: “Hilsa is our national fish. Bangladesh has produced 60 per cent of hilsa around the globe. Some 4 lakh people have directly involved in this sector.” 

“It’s important to take proper steps for boosting this sector,” he added.

Prior to this, Bangladeshi scientists decoded the genome of jute and buffalo.