Growing Synthetic Biology in Bangladesh: A Conversation with Yusha Araf
Article Prepared by Shibly Chowdhury (Synthesizing Synergies)
Mr. Yusha Araf was one of the first few Bangladeshis to join the iGEM community when he discovered it after founding the Community of Biotechnology (CoB) in 2017. It was then that he realized the importance of democratizing access to biological engineering, empowering students to innovate and using science to tackle real-world challenges. When he started his journey with iGEM, his motivation was rooted in a desire to establish Bangladesh’s presence in the global synthetic biology landscape and to open doors for future students from Bangladesh.
Journey With iGEM
Mr. Yusha has been an active contributor to iGEM, with a journey spanning multiple roles. In 2022, he began as a mentor for the iGEM Startups program in the Asia-Pacific region, where he learned about the entrepreneurial side of synthetic biology and how innovation can meet real-world needs. Later that year, he was selected for the Biodiversity Youth Leadership Program, to represent iGEM at Convention of Parties (COP15). Reflecting on the experience, he said, "Communicating science to policymakers and non-specialists was both intricate and eye-opening."
Later, he became an iGEM Judge, a role that gave him a new perspective on evaluating iGEM Competition projects. Since 2023, he has served on the iGEM Safety and Security Committee, helping ensure synthetic biology remains safe, responsible and ethical.
His iGEM experience has also opened doors globally. Through opportunities provided by iGEM for alumni, he was selected for the IFBA Global Mentorship Program and the United Nations Youth for Biosecurity Fellowship, connecting him with peers working at the intersection of biology and security. Later that year, he spoke at a UNRCPD event in Nepal, independently contributing directly to a regional policy dialogue. These experiences highlight how iGEM can serve as a platform for young scientists to impact global initiatives and amplify the voice of the Global South.
Synthetic Biology In Bangladesh
Developing synthetic biology in Bangladesh is not easy. Most universities lack dedicated labs, forcing students to collaborate with better-equipped institutions or work under limited resources. Indeed, funding remains a major barrier. In 2024, an attempt to form the first Bangladeshi iGEM team highlighted both the challenges and determination of students. While the effort did not succeed due to lack of institutional support, it laid important groundwork for future participation.
He added that mentorship gaps compound these difficulties, as many South Asian students struggle to find supervisors experienced in synthetic biology. Technical limits, such as access to reagents, functional equipment and lab infrastructure, further constrain projects.
Mr. Yusha noted that the students in resource limited universities excel at making the most of limited resources, often achieving impressive results with budgets that would barely cover the basics for teams in wealthier regions. Their unique perspectives on bioethics and biosafety, shaped by local cultural and regulatory contexts, enrich global discussions on responsible innovation. Most importantly, the focus these students have on solving urgent local problems transforms iGEM from a purely academic competition into a platform for real-world impact.
Advice for Emerging Teams
Mr. Yusha emphasizes the importance of building a strong community foundation before attempting participation. Funding should be planned at least a year in advance, exploring diverse sources from alumni networks, local industries and international organizations. iGEM Teams should start with what’s available, document their processes and focus on problems relevant to their communities.
Above all, participation in iGEM is bigger than medals or awards. It is about planting seeds for the future of synthetic biology in Bangladesh, inspiring the next generation, building support networks and showing that innovation can thrive even in resource-limited settings. Mr. Yusha’s journey at iGEM is a reminder that every small step today can open doors for countless students tomorrow.
