Exploring genetic counselling: Insights from the nation’s first pioneer
On May 6th, the School of Life Sciences (SLS) , organised a seminar titled “Biotechnologist to Genetic Expert: Journey of a BracU Alumni” by Tamannyat Binte Eshaque (Consultant Genetic Counsellor, NeuroGen Healthcare, Bangladesh). The Brac University Natural Sciences Club (BUNSC) and the Brac University Society for Biotechnology (BUSB) co-organised this event to shed light on the current scenario, challenges, and future possibilities of genetic counselling in Bangladesh. The event was graced by the presence of prominent figures such Dr Aparna Islam (Assistant Dean, SLS) along with Dr. Iftekhar Bin Naser (Chairperson, BTE), Dr. Nadia Sultana Deen (Chairperson, MIC), Dr. Mahboob Hossain (Professor, SLS) and other faculty members.
Tamannyat completed her Master’s in Biotechnology from BracU. She has been working as a genetic counsellor at NeuroGen Healthcare Limited, Dhaka since 2019. She is the first and only genetic counsellor in Bangladesh.
Photo credit: Mubashshira Chowdhury
Professor Islam inaugurated the event with an opening remark, stating, “Our goal is to guide and empower people by prompting awareness, support, and better lifestyle choices while recognising the challenges and difficulties that genetics may present throughout life.”
At the seminar, Tamannyat shared how genetic counselling turns complicated DNA information into useful health information, drawing from her professional experience and her personal journey. Specialists can assess family history to help people understand their risk for inherited disease. It combines medical science with practical advice to help people make wise choices about testing, prevention, and future family planning, which can be affordable.
The seminar was wrapped up with an interactive question and answering session and a wave of appreciation for the speaker. As Afroza Afrin (Senior, SLS) remarked, “It was amazing to learn how affordable genetic testing in disease diagnosis and treatment can make such a big difference in healthcare.”
