Conference on Biosafety & Biosecurity in Developing Countries in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Biosafety and Biosecurity Association in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization, universities and private partners organized the 1^st International Biosafety and Biosecurity Conference and a pre-conference workshop on December 6-8, 2012 at Dhaka University.

Prof Syed Modasser Ali, Advisor to the Prime Minister, Health & Family Welfare and Social Welfare Affairs was the Chief Guest who called on the urgent implementation of biosafety and biosecurity measures in Bangladesh particularly with the growing use of different recombinant products in medical and crop biotechnology. He added that the Gazetted Biosafety Rules of Bangladesh by the Parliament will help scientists working on GMOs.

Dr. Pran Gopal Datta and Prof Dr A A M S Arefin Siddique, Vice Chancellors of BSM Medical University, and Dhaka University, respectively, were present as Special Guests. They mentioned that Bangladesh is now dealing with vaccine and drug import and production along with many sensitive organisms and their products.  The physical containment, safe disposal of bio-hazardous waste and good laboratory practices among other issues were emphasized by the experts.

For more information about the conference email Dr. Khondoker Nasiruddin of the Bangladesh Biotechnology Information Center at nasirbiotech@yahoo.com.