Biotechnology in Bangladesh

BANGLADESH seriously took up biotechnological research only recently. Earlier it did not take genetic technology seriously although Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) had a programme on ‘genetic improvement of industrial microorganisms’ since early 1970′s.



Genetic improvement of citric acid fermenting strains of aspergillus niger, obtained through mutations, could not be applied on the ground in Bangladesh due to lack of suitable industries. Bangladesh also could not adopt gene transfer technology due to shortage of fund and training facilities. It came to Bangladesh very recently. Microbiologists are working in areas like human healthcare, agriculture, industry and pollution control. The scientists working on gene transfer technology are expected to show the results in the near future.



For the medical students the thrust area is vaccine development. The initiative of the Institute of Public Health (IPH) and the International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) is worth mentioning. Biotechnology for diagnostic service is utilised by the ICDDR,B and IPH. the ICDDR,B has established its lab for the diagnosis of diarrhea, cholera and hepatitis A, B and C. Development of shigella vaccine is underway at the ICDDR,B.



Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute have developed disease-resistant high yielding varieties of crops including rice, wheat, pulses, potato, fruits and vegetables. Bangladesh Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) has developed spirulina tablets, which is both a medicine and health food.



Bioprocessing of cereals rich in enzymes, proteins and vitamins are also underway.



Methods for the artificial breeding of fish fry have been developed. Its extension work is being pursued. A few laboratories are working on gene transfer in key crops like rice and jute.



Bangladesh has innovated the technique for large-scale bioremediation (through duckweed) of arsenic from groundwater. Bioindicator (Azolla filiculoidis) for arsenic pollution has been developed.



Use of modern biotechnology (recombinant DNA) is at its infancy in Bangladesh. It is mainly confined to development, standardisation, and vitro culture and micro-propagation of cereals, vegetables and horticultural crops. But embryo rescue and somaclonal variation culture are at the lower spectrum of the biotechnological gradients. The fisheries and livestock sectors have achieved insignificant progress.



Biotechnological development in Bangladesh is at its primary stage.



Lack of infrastructure and shortage of funds and skilled manpower are hindering the progress in biotechnological research.



Again, it cannot be used due to lack of interest among entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are more interested in the import of technology to get quick returns. Initiative and investment are lacking.



Bangladesh needs a clear policy, institutional development and funding for the application of biotechnology to solve the problems in agriculture, industry, health and environment. Integration of molecular and cellular biology with conventional breeding technologies can be used for the development of new crop varieties, improvement of feed and livestock. It can help health and energy sectors. Recombinant DNA technology would be of multiple use including the development of genetically modified organisms.





Source: thefinancialexpress

Mohammad Rajja