Islamic University (IU) has launched a three-day celebration of World Phage Week 2026, organized by the Bacteriophage Biology and Genomics Lab of the Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. According to the organizers, this is the first time World Phage Week has been observed in Bangladesh.
A colourful rally was held on the university campus at 11:00 am on Tuesday, October 27, to mark the occasion. The rally was followed by oral and poster presentation sessions under the theme, “Phage Research in Bangladesh: From AMR Challenges to Precision Antimicrobial Solutions.”
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.K.M. Motinur Rahman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Emtaz Hossain, Treasurer Professor Dr. Idris Ali, Acting Registrar Professor Dr. Atiqur Rahman, Department Chairman Professor Dr. Md. Abu Hena Mostafa Jamal, and Chief Patron Professor Dr. Sudhangshu Kumar Biswas attended the event, along with faculty members and students of the department.
Professor Dr. Sudhangshu Kumar Biswas said antimicrobial resistance (AMR) had emerged as a serious global health challenge, prompting scientists to explore alternative approaches to treating bacterial infections. Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect and destroy specific bacteria and are being studied for their potential role in combating antibiotic-resistant infections.
He said the department was conducting research through its Bacteriophage Biology and Genomics Lab to explore potential solutions to antimicrobial resistance.
According to Professor Biswas, World Phage Day is observed on October 22, while World Phage Week runs from October 22 to 28 each year to raise awareness of bacteriophages and their potential applications. He added that the department had long aspired to organize the observance in Bangladesh, and the initiative was taken to promote awareness and encourage phage research in the country.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A.K.M. Motinur Rahman thanked the Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering for organizing the event and said the university administration appreciated the initiative. Highlighting the need for innovative diagnostic technologies to address emerging viral threats, he emphasized the importance of raising awareness about phages among students and researchers.
He formally inaugurated the rally as part of the programme.
A quiz competition was also held earlier in the day. The week-long observance is scheduled to conclude with a bacteriophage model-making competition and a prize distribution ceremony.
