A state-of-the-art In Vitro Culture and Genome Editing facility was inaugurated at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). Photo: BSS

MYMENSINGH, Dec 28, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) on 
Sunday inaugurated a state-of-the-art 'In Vitro Culture and Genome Editing' 
clean laboratory, marking a new milestone in advanced research on heredity 
and genetics of livestock.

The laboratory was inaugurated at 11.00 am at the initiative of the 
Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics. 

Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr AK Fazlul Haque Bhuiyan formally opened the 
facility and later visited different sections of the lab, exchanging views 
with researchers and faculty members.

University officials said the modern lab will open new horizons in higher 
education and research in genetics. The facility will enable the artificial 
production of high-quality cattle embryos under strict biosafety conditions, 
genome editing of embryos to develop animals with specific traits, and 
advanced research in genetic engineering.

The inauguration ceremony was moderated by Professor Dr Md Monir Hossain, 
head of the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics. Among others Student 
Affairs Adviser Prof Dr Md Shahidul Haque, Dean of the Faculty of Animal 
Husbandry Prof Md Ruhul Amin, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Prof 
Dr Md Bahanur Rahman, Convener of the Provost Council Prof Md Ruhul Amin and 
Proctor Prof Dr Md Abdul Alim, along with teachers, researchers and 
postgraduate students from various faculties were present.

In his inaugural speech, the VC said that the laboratory, based on modern 
technologies related to genes, DNA and inheritance, has created opportunities 
to develop more productive varieties in animals, fish, crops and vegetables. 

"This will help the country work in harmony with the developed world," he 
said, adding that the lab has been established with cooperation from 
universities and various charitable organisations.

He also said that through collaboration with national and international 
universities and research institutions, the lab will contribute to 
discovering productive and climate-sensitive varieties to ensure food and 
nutritional security.

"The lab is not limited to animal breeding alone. It will remain open to 
researchers from diverse fields and play an important role in developing 
skilled human resources and improving soil, human and food security at home 
and abroad," he added.

One of the lab supervisors and Prof of the Department of Animal Breeding and 
Genetics, Dr Md Shamsul Alam Bhuiyan, said embryo manipulation and production 
could be carried out in the lab for both research and commercial purposes. 

The facility would also support DNA and RNA-based research, genetic 
association studies and bioinformatics under molecular biology, he added.

Department Head Prof Dr Md Monir Hossain said the lab was designed in a way 
that allows rapid and effective use during emergency situations, such as 
pandemics, to support national research needs. 

He described it as the first laboratory in the country equipped with complete 
genome editing facilities following international biosafety standards.

Built in line with modern clean lab and biosafety requirements, the 
laboratory is expected to serve as a major platform for joint research with 
domestic and foreign universities, research institutions and international 
organisations, creating opportunities for technology exchange, collaborative 
projects and internationally recognized research publications.