Marjana Akter has been selected as the first Bangladeshi female researcher for the 2025 United Nations Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship. Photo : BSS

BANGLADESH AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY, Oct 6, 2025 (BSS) - Marjana Akter has been selected as the first Bangladeshi female researcher for the 2025 United Nations Young Women for Biosecurity Fellowship. Among 193 UN member countries, only 10 young women worldwide were chosen, and Marjana is one of them. 

The fellowship is organized by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) to mark the 50th anniversary of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). It aims to promote the peaceful use of biological sciences and raise global awareness of biosecurity.

The closing ceremony of this year's fellowship will be held in December in Geneva, Switzerland, where top global researchers and policymakers will attend. Representing Bangladesh at such an event is a historic moment for the country.

Marjana's story, however, is not only one of brilliance but also of perseverance, courage, and dedication. She recently completed her MSc in Microbiology from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), having earlier earned her BSc in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST). 

During her postgraduate research, Marjana studied Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV) in Bangladeshi poultry and identified the country's first Genotype IIIb strain - a significant contribution to virology research. Her work was supervised by Professor Dr Md Golzar Hossain of BAU's Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, who guided and supported her throughout the journey. 

Her path, however, was far from easy. Marjana continued her studies while pregnant - attending classes in the morning, working in the lab in the afternoon, and writing her thesis at night, all while enduring physical discomfort. During her sixth month of pregnancy, she suffered severe respiratory distress and was admitted to the ICU for five critical days. 

Around the same time, her husband, Yusha Araf, left for New Zealand to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland. Alone, ill, and under immense pressure, Marjana refused to give up. 

Her supervisor, Dr Golzar Hossain, supported her not only academically but also emotionally, inspiring her to overcome every obstacle and continue her research.

Around that time, her lab was selected for the Sakura Science Exchange Programme, fully funded by the Japanese government. The team, led by Dr Hossain, visited Okayama University's Tsushima campus for research and cultural exchange. Unfortunately, Marjana could not join as she was still in the ICU.

Yet she remained resilient. A few months later, she gave birth to her daughter, Anaiza. Just weeks after delivery, still recovering, she successfully defended her thesis. Reflecting on her journey, Marjana said, "My journey was tough, but I knew if I didn't give up, one day my struggle would turn into strength. Anaiza is my biggest inspiration."

That strength has now earned her international recognition. The woman who once fought to breathe in a hospital bed now represents Bangladesh on the UN stage.

At a young age, Marjana has already published nine international research papers in reputed journals. Her research focuses on Virology, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and Infectious Diseases.

Her husband, Yusha Araf, said Marjana's achievement is not just for their family but for all of Bangladesh. She has proven that with courage, faith, and hard work, no obstacle is insurmountable.

Speaking about her success, Marjana said, "Being selected for the UN fellowship is one of the greatest honours of my life. I want girls in our country to know that no illness, hardship, or barrier can stop them from chasing their dreams. My goal is to use science for the welfare of humanity."