SABP Webinar Series: Biosafety in Biotechnology – GE Crop Regeneration as a Case Study

Video

Background

Starting in the mid-1990s, universities and research institutes in Bangladesh have been developing genetically engineered (GE) crops to ensure the country’s food security by combating climate change, pests, and diseases. To encourage the safe use of modern biotechnology for humans, animals, and the environment, the Government of Bangladesh has developed a biosafety regime, taking into consideration global conventions and protocols. This biosafety system requires all GE crops to go through safety assessments prior to reaching farmers and consumers. Since 2005, the South Asia Biosafety Program (SABP) has been working with the Government of Bangladesh to develop and implement biosafety regulations, manuals, and assessment guidelines. Capacity development is a crucial part of this biosafety regime, as it improves compliance by present and future researchers in the field of biotechnology.

About the Webinar Series

Under the guidance of Dr. Aparna Islam, SABP is organizing a series of webinars in collaboration with various universities in Bangladesh, including those outside of Dhaka, which aims to facilitate knowledge on biosafety among researchers and students of biotechnology, biochemistry and molecular biology, botany, and genetic engineering, both to help them navigate the biosafety system as researchers, and to expand the pool of interested scientists that can serve as resources to help inform the biosafety process. Prior to this webinar, eight webinars have been organized jointly with Sher-E-Bangla Agriculture University, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka University, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), National Institute of Biotechnology, Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), and Rajshahi University.

The first webinar in 2021 and the ninth webinar in the series, Biosafety in Modern Biotechnology: GE Crop Regeneration as a Case Study, took place on January 27, 2021. Organized jointly with the Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University (MBSTU) in Tangail, Bangladesh, the online event facilitated a discussion about the biosafety regulatory framework embedded within modern biotechnology research and development. GM crop development were discussed as a case study to highlight relevant regulatory requirements. This webinar aimed to help students, early career researchers, and faculty members from various departments better understand the regulatory system and improve their effectiveness at implementing biosafety in their academic and professional careers.

Dr. Aparna Islam, Country Manager, SABP delivered the keynote lecture. From MBSTU, Prof. Dr. Md. Alauddin, honorable Vice Chancellor, presided as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Dr. Rokeya Begum, Dean, Faculty of Life Science served as Special Guest.  Dr. K. M. Kaderi Kibria, Chairman, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, chaired the event. Prof. Dr. A. K. M Mohiuddin and Prof. Dr. Md. Masuder Rahman of the Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering delivered the welcome address and moderated the discussion, respectively. Prof. Dr. Md. Imam Hossain of the Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering delivered the Closing Remarks.