Feature

Prospects of Bioinformatics in Bangladesh

Nusrat Rahman

BIOINFORMATICS can be roughly defined as the use of computational tools to handle biological data. But to make a fine definition, it is actually a combinational effort of computer scientists and biologists to foster biotechnology research and solve biological mysteries. Requiring computers and high-speed internet connection as the only ingredient, bioinformatics in fact creates the opportunity for our scientists to take part in world class research. However, we immediately need to build national bioinformatics policy and include courses on bioinformatics at graduate level in order to get the maximum benefit. Eminent scientists and researchers at a Seminar titled 'Bioinformatics: Prospects and Opportunities for Bangladesh' remarked this. Jointly organized by Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka and Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (BAS), the seminar was held in the Center of Excellence, University of Dhaka on the 5th of August. Members of Science and Life Science Faculties from different universities and participants from different research institutes were invited to share their views on the relevant topic.

With BAS president Prof. M. Shamsher Ali in chair, the event saw presentations of three keynote papers on related topics. Dr. Hasan Jamil, Associate Professor, Dept. of Computer Science, Wayne State University, USA outlined a research and education plan in the area of Bioinformatics in the context of Biotechnology research in Bangladesh. Mentioning about the huge international job market for Bioinformatics experts, he pointed out that India and even Jamaica have their National Bioinformatics Policy and are manufacturing skilled manpower in this discipline.

Dr. Abdur Rahman Sikdar, Post Doc Fellow, University of California Barkeley, USA, put emphasis on open access publication while discussing promises of bioinformatics in his presentation, and Prof. Animesh Ray, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, California, USA, portrayed the excellence of Bioinformatics research through the presentation of his own research topic 'The New Biology: The Network Metaphor'.

The session was also graced by speeches from the Chief Guest Prof. S.M.A. Faiz, Vice Chancellor, Dhaka University and the special guests Prof. Jamilur Reza Choudhury, Vice Chancellor, BRAC University and Prof. AFM Yusuf Haider, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Dhaka University.

In an open discussion session following the seminar, experts were unanimous in saying that only a collective effort of policy makers and academic personnel can further this initiative. They expressed their concern in the existing communication gap which impedes progression of valuable research activities. Prof. Zeba Islam Seraj underscored the need for cooperative approach of Government body towards scientists. Prof. Ahmed Shamsul Islam suggested arranging regular dialogue sessions between policy holders and researchers.

Prof. Jamilur Reza Choudhury put an emphasis on building infrastructure for advanced bioinformatics research while Prof. Md. Kaykobad gave a brief overview on the current computer laboratory facility in some prominent universities. Participants also proposed the commencement of graduate-level courses and training on Bioinformatics. Key speakers stressed on the need for economy-driven research initiative that will consequently serve national interests.

Prof. M. Shamsher Ali on behalf of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences ensured that BAS would provide all the support needed to proceed, as long as the research is for the benefit of our country. Dr. Md. Anwarul Azim Akhand, chairman of the Department of Genetic Engineering & Biotehcnology, University of Dhaka gave the concluding speech and the session ended with lunch at the venue cafeteria.

Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka