UNIVERSITY OF DHAKA

The Bangladesh National Biotechnology Thesis Presentation Contest - 2024, organized by the Network of Young Biotechnologists of Bangladesh, concluded with Mohammad Al Beruni from the University of Chittagong winning for his thesis on autism diagnosis using genetic engineering. Tanjin Barketullah secured the runner-up position for mosquito control technology, and Ahmed Zubayer came in third. The event, held at the Central Kochi Kacha Auditorium in Dhaka, featured presentations on various biotechnology applications, including cancer diagnosis, waste management, and food security. The competition was judged by prominent scientists and faculty members from various universities.

A three-phase study developed a Bengali CBT treatment protocol for depression, incorporating cultural adaptations and psychoeducation. Experts evaluated the adapted manual, and a pilot study with five participants assessed its feasibility in Bangladesh. The manual, based on Beck's CBT, included culturally relevant examples, psychoeducation, behavioral activation, problem-solving, and religious integration. The study concluded with a pre-post test design to measure depression and co-morbid symptoms.