Bangladesh's Biotechnology Revolution

From Fields to Pharmaceuticals

How a densely populated nation is harnessing cutting-edge science to achieve food security and position itself as a regional biotech leader

Explore the Journey

A Nation's Transformation

In the heart of South Asia, where the mighty Ganges meets the Bay of Bengal, a quiet scientific revolution is unfolding. Bangladesh, a country once synonymous with poverty and natural disasters, is now emerging as an unlikely pioneer in agricultural biotechnology.

3x

Increase in rice production since independence

2x

Increase in wheat yields since independence

5x

Increase in vegetable production

10x

Increase in maize production

Bangladesh has maintained an average food growth rate of 3 percent while population growth sits at 1.9 percent, making it the second-largest producer of staple food grains and jute worldwide ⁷ .

The Roots of a Biotech Revolution

Late 1970s

Bangladesh's tryst with biotechnology began with humble experiments in tissue culture on jute at Bangladesh Agricultural University ² .

1990

Formation of the Bangladesh Association for Plant Tissue Culture (BAPTC) ² ⁷ .

1993

Establishment of the National Committee on Biotechnology Product Development ² ⁷ .

1999

Establishment of the National Institute of Biotechnology, providing a dedicated center for multidisciplinary research ² .

2006

Government adoption of National Policy Guidelines on Biotechnology ² .

2012

Cabinet approval of the National Biotechnology Policy aimed explicitly at "eradicating poverty through increasing productivity in agriculture and industrial sectors" ² .

Milestones and Major Achievements

Bangladesh has achieved remarkable success in genomic research and agricultural biotechnology, positioning itself as a leader in the region.

Trailblazing Genomic Research

Jute Genome

Year: 2010

First plant genome sequenced in Bangladesh; potential for improved fiber quality ² .

University of Dhaka Jute Research Institute

Macrophomina phaseolina

Year: 2012

Understanding pathogen that affects 500+ plant species worldwide ² .

Jute Research Institute

Climate-Resilient Rice

Year: 2021

Salinity and submergence-tolerant rice varieties for flood-prone, saline areas ² .

BINA BAU

Agricultural Biotechnology in Action

Bt Brinjal

First country in South Asia to commercially cultivate a genetically engineered food crop ⁵ ⁷ .

70-90%

Reduction in pesticide use

Late Blight Resistant Potato

Engineered with 3R genes to resist devastating late blight disease ⁹ .

Significant

Reduction in fungicide costs

A Closer Look: The Bt Brinjal Experiment

Methodology and Implementation

Developed by the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) with support from USAID, Bt Brinjal incorporates a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that produces a protein toxic to the Fruit and Shoot Borer (FSB) insect ⁵ .

The implementation followed a meticulous, science-based approach with rigorous biosafety assessments and limited distribution to selected farmers ⁵ .

Brinjal ranks as the third most consumed vegetable in Bangladesh after potato and rice ⁵ .

Results and Impact Analysis

Benefits

Significantly higher marketable yields
70-90% reduction in pesticide use ⁹
Economic savings for farmers
Reduced chemical exposure for workers
Catalytic effect on biotechnology ecosystem ⁷

Impact Comparison

Winning Hearts and Minds: The Public Perception Challenge

"Fear of GMOs often stems from misinformation" - Arif Hossain, CEO of Farming Future Bangladesh (FFB) ⁹

Bangladeshi scientists and institutions have implemented strategic science communication initiatives to build understanding and trust in biotechnology.

Public Awareness Initiatives

Faith Leaders Engagement Initiative trained over 500 Imams and 230 Shariah scholars ⁹
Storytelling and grassroots dialogues
Videos and interfaith discussions
High-level engagements with policymakers

Survey Results

Based on survey of 1,000 respondents:

Heard about Bt Brinjal 50.1%

Believe it will gain popularity 64%

Willing to purchase 33%

The Scientist's Toolkit: Research Reagents and Equipment

DNA Sequencing

Advanced sequencing platforms, thermal cyclers for PCR, and bioinformatics software ² .

Tissue Culture

Laminar airflow cabinets, environmental chambers, and growth media ³ .

Transformation

Plasmid vectors, restriction enzymes, and ligases for genetic engineering ⁵ .

Protein Analysis

Antibodies, electrophoresis systems, and western blotting reagents .

Leading Bangladeshi suppliers include Tradesworth Group, Saffron Scientific Equipment Ltd., and Labpro Scientific Ltd. providing researchers with essential tools ⁸ .

The Road Ahead: Bangladesh's Biotech Future

National Biotech Innovation Institute

Proposed by Education Advisor Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar to be managed jointly by Bangladeshi scientists at home and abroad ⁴ .

Bridge between academia and industry
Generate employment
Establish Bangladesh as a biotechnology hub in South Asia

Pharmaceutical Sector

Leveraging TRIPS patent exemptions (available until at least 2026) to replicate high-cost biologics ¹ .

$1B

Projected pharmaceutical exports within five years ¹

Golden Rice: The Next Frontier

Provitamin A-enriched variety designed to combat widespread vitamin A deficiency ⁹ .

Bangladesh stands at a crossroads—running field trials, building awareness, and rallying public support based on lessons from Bt Brinjal implementation ⁹ .

"Without the advancement of biotechnology, Bangladesh cannot move forward. It is one of the most vital branches of modern science, especially in ensuring food security for our growing population" - Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed ¹