Teachers and students from the Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering at Jahangirnagar University (JU) formed a human chain demanding the smooth appointment of Dr Md Shahedur Rahman as the director general at the National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB) to proceed without interference.
They also demanded an end to inequities in Bangladesh’s biotechnology sector.
The demonstration was part of the national “Biotech Movement 2024.”
The human chain took place near the Shaheed Minar at JU, led by department chair Professor Dr Md Rezaul Karim on Monday.
Mirza Saki, a student from the department's 49th batch, said: “Despite being established in 1995, the biotechnology sector has not been prioritized in Bangladesh. The National Institute of Biotechnology was founded in 1999 to foster advanced research, yet in the past 25 years, no biotechnology educator has been appointed to a senior position.
“More than 60% of staff here are from non-biotech backgrounds, highlighting a clear bias. Recently, Professor Shahedur Rahman of JU was appointed as director general, but undue influence has complicated his appointment. We demand that these complications be resolved.”
Lecturer Siam Ahmed of the Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Department said: “Professor Shahedur Rahman was appointed as NIB's director general through an official notification on October 15, but he has yet to assume office.
“Over the past 30 years, biotechnologists have faced exclusion. It is unjust that a biotechnologist cannot hold a leadership role at the country’s central research institution.”
He added that while 29 universities now teach biotechnology, graduates often encounter restrictions in job opportunities and lack representation in policymaking. “We demand an end to these biased practices against our field.”
Professor Umme Salma Johra concluded the demonstration, recalling that the biotechnology program first began in Bangladesh in 1995 at Khulna University, where Professor Shahedur Rahman was a first-batch student.
After a decade of advanced study in Japan, he returned to make a crucial impact on biotechnology education in Bangladesh and organized the Bangladesh Association of Biotechnology Graduates (BABG).
On Saturday, members of BABG have demanded the swift implementation of the appointment of Dr Mohammad Shahedur Rahman as the new DG of the NIB.
The BABG held a press conference to protest against the misinformation and conspiracies directed at Dr Md Shahedur Rahman.
Prof Dr Md Shahedur Rahman of Jahangirnagar University was appointed on October 15, through a circular issued by Md Ujjal Hossain, senior assistant secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration.
Meanwhile, a statement signed by 145 signatories welcomed the appointment of the new director general of NIB.
In the statement, they said it is crucial to have a person with a background in biotechnology and research experience in this field at the helm of the NIB.
In this context, the first name that comes to mind is Professor Dr Shahedur Rahman of Jahangirnagar University.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he spent days at the ministry, advocating for the opportunity for biotechnologists to apply their RT-PCR expertise for the country's benefit.
Shahedur held numerous meetings with the Public Service Commission to emphasize that their graduates are well-qualified to teach biology in schools and colleges.
He also organized seminars for the Food Safety Authority, explaining how biotechnologists could contribute to this field.
