Dhaka, April 19, 2025 — Dhaka University has been crowned the champion of the 2nd National Inter-University Biotechnology Quiz Contest 2025, organized by the Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists (GNOBB) in partnership with the Network of Young Biotechnologists of Bangladesh (NYBB). The grand finale was held on Saturday at the University of Dhaka and was filled with excitement, energy, and a strong sense of scientific spirit.
This year’s contest drew an impressive 320 teams from 48 universities across the country. The competition reached its peak in the semifinal and final rounds, where the top 8 teams faced off for the top honors. The event took place at the Professor Anwarul Azim Chowdhury Lecture Gallery in the Department of Microbiology and marked GNOBB’s 20th founding anniversary.
After a closely contested battle of knowledge, the team from the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, claimed the championship title. The winning team members were Mashiyat Nawar Samiha and Tanha Islam Efty. The University of Chittagong (Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology) secured the 1st runner-up position, represented by Kazi Md. Ahnaf Abid and Md. Didarul Islam Khan Anim. North South University (Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology) finished as 2nd runner-up with participants Zuhayr Mahtab and Rokeya Samad Ritu, while Independent University, Bangladesh (Department of Life Sciences, Biochemistry and Biotechnology program) took the 3rd runner-up spot, represented by Usuf Prodhen Tonmoy and Tanisha Rani Das.
Other teams reaching the semifinals were from University of Rajshahi (Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology), represented by Mobashar Ahmad and Md. Lisur Rahman; BRAC University (Biotechnology), represented by Nuren Mahpara and Sabit Ifthekhar; Jagannath University (Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology), represented by Sharmin Akter and Umme Nuhas; and Jashore University of Science and Technology (Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology), represented by Florence Bornali Ratno and Habiba Binte Latif. These teams had previously qualified through the quarterfinals.
The quiz rounds were conducted by Dr. Adnan Mannan, Professor of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Chittagong and Head of GNOBB’s Outreach section; Dr. Md. Hamed Hussain, Assistant Professor at East West University; and Dr. Mohammed Mafizul Islam, Associate Professor at Noakhali Science and Technology University. Ragib Muttaqee, Vice President of Events and Planning at NYBB, gave a special address to open the quiz sessions.
The event began at 3:00 PM with two semifinals followed by the final round. A special memorial session was held in honor of the late Prof. Dr. Ahmad Shamsul Islam, a pioneer of biotechnology in Bangladesh, Ekushey Padak recipient, and co-founder of GNOBB. A minute of silence was observed to remember his lasting contribution to the field.
Several distinguished guests attended the event, including Chief Guest Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Dhaka. Special guests included Dr. Abdul Haque, Deputy General Manager of R&D and Biotech at Aristopharma Ltd., and Dr Enayet Hossain, Scientist, icddrb. Also present were Dr. Muhammad Manjurul Karim from the Department of Microbiology, Dr. Mohammad Nurul Islam from the Department of Botany and Treasurer of GNOBB, Dr Jamilur Rahman, and Dr. Sabrina Moriom Elias from Independent University, Bangladesh. The closing ceremony was chaired by Professor Dr. Zeba Islam Seraj, President of GNOBB.
Sponsored by BloodBridge, an innovative platform that connects blood donors with recipients, the quiz contest highlighted both scientific excellence and the social impact of biotechnology. The event served not only as a competition but also as a celebration of collaboration, youth innovation, and the legacy of Bangladesh’s biotechnology pioneers.
For more information and updates, visit www.gnobb.org or follow GNOBB and NYBB on their official social media channels.