Background:
Growing up in a family with a deep-rooted connection to Bengal's history, the issue of hunger has always held profound significance for me. Stories of my grandfather's migration to escape famine in British India, coupled with the haunting accounts of tragic man-made disasters like the Great Bengal Famine of 1770 and the devastating Bengal Famine of 1943, have left an indelible mark on my consciousness. The toll of these famines, claiming millions of lives—10 million in 1770 and 3 million in 1943—has reverberated through generations, leaving scars not just in our memories but also encoded within our DNA. The rare gene mutation passed down through our families, storing excess fat in anticipation of future famines, has led to health challenges such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, affecting not only my father but countless others in our community.
As Bangladesh transitioned to being food secure, a new challenge emerged: hidden hunger, or micronutrient deficiency, affecting millions across the region. My personal journey into hunger research took a pivotal turn when I hosted a seminar in 2020, featuring the esteemed Dr. Russell Reinke from IRRI, a leading researcher dedicated to developing healthier rice varieties. Through this encounter, my awareness of the intricacies of the issue deepened, sparking a desire to delve further into finding sustainable solutions.
The opportunity to meet luminaries like Dr. Reinke and Dr. Howarth Bouis, a pioneering figure in the field and recipient of the prestigious World Food Prize in 2016, came during a policy meeting attended by a diverse array of stakeholders. Together, we convened to address the pressing need for solutions like Golden Rice, which holds the promise of alleviating many of the challenges posed by hunger and malnutrition in our communities.
Yet, despite the strides made in agricultural technologies and food distribution systems, the specter of hunger continues to loom large, with millions worldwide facing food insecurity and malnutrition. As we confront this multifaceted challenge, exacerbated by poverty, conflict, and climate change, it is clear that addressing hunger is not just a moral imperative but a crucial step toward fostering equitable access to nutrition and catalyzing socio-economic development for all. My journey into hunger research is not just a personal pursuit but a commitment to contributing to a future where no individual or community suffers the scourge of hunger, ensuring that the lessons of history guide us toward sustainable solutions for generations to come.
Research Interests:
My research interest lies in addressing hunger and malnutrition through a multidisciplinary approach that considers historical, genetic, agricultural, and socio-economic factors. Specifically, I am interested in investigating the genetic basis of nutritional disorders resulting from historical famines, exploring strategies for enhancing the bioavailability of essential micronutrients in staple foods, and advocating for evidence-based policies and investments that prioritize food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. By focusing on these areas, I aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of hunger dynamics and inform interventions and policies aimed at achieving equitable access to nutritious food for all individuals and communities.
Relevant Experiences:
As a researcher at the Cell Genetics and Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, my expertise lies in genetics and biotechnology, enabling me to tackle complex issues such as hunger and malnutrition. My academic background in biotechnology and genetic engineering, combined with practical experience in artificial intelligence and computational biology, equips me to confront these challenges directly. Through both coursework and research projects, I've delved into the genetic underpinnings of nutritional disorders arising from historical famines, analyzing intricate genetic data to glean valuable insights into these conditions.
Furthermore, my involvement with the Bangladesh Medical Research Council's Project, where I focused on understanding malnutrition in vulnerable communities like the Mahato tribes of Sirajganj, has provided me with firsthand experience in addressing real-world nutritional challenges. Leveraging advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and precision agriculture techniques, I strive to optimize crop yield and combat the hunger crisis effectively.
In my role as a communication manager at Science Porter Bangladesh, I utilize our platform to advocate for evidence-based policy reforms aimed at managing the hunger crisis. Over time, I have facilitated numerous seminars to underscore the significance of initiatives like the approval of Golden Rice. These experiences have enabled me to craft innovative solutions for enhancing food security and ensuring equitable access to nutritious food for all.