Profile

Md. Mahbubur Rahman, PhD

Gazipur Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur-1706, Bangladesh.

E- Email: mabub-biotech@gau.edu.bd
Cell: +880 1819 489346 (Bangladesh)
Office: +88(02) 996695310-14 Ext. 2212
Web: https://gau.edu.bd/mahbubur

Present Position

Professor
Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (IBGE)
Gazipur Agricultural University, Gazipur

Biography

Education

PhD, Hokkaido University, Japan (2004)
MS, Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (1997)
BSc (Honours), Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (1993 held in 1996)

Life Sketch:

Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman is a Professor of Fisheries Biotechnology at the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), BSMRAU. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he has established himself as a leading authority on the fisheries biotechnology, molecular pathogenesis of diseases of fish and shrimp and the development of sustainable biotechnological interventions for aquaculture.

Education & International Training
Dr. Rahman earned his B.Sc. Fisheries (Honors) and M.S. in Aquaculture from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), securing First Class in both degrees. He received the prestigious Japanese Government Scholarship (Monbukagakusho) to pursue his Ph.D. in Marine Biosciences at Hokkaido University, Japan, under the supervision of Professor Kenichi Tajima. He completed his doctoral degree in 2004, focusing on the molecular identification and pathogenicity of a novel bacterial group, Aeromonas sp. T8.

Core Research Focus
Dr. Rahman’s research integrates genomics, microbiology, and immunology to address infectious diseases threatening fish and shellfish production in Bangladesh. His work translates fundamental molecular discoveries into practical solutions for food security.

Molecular Detection and Diagnostics of Aquatic Pathogens

Professor Rahman specializes in the rapid and precise molecular identification of bacterial pathogens affecting fish and shrimp. Employing a suite of nucleic acid-based techniques—including species-specific PCR, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and 16S rRNA gene sequencing—his laboratory enables the unequivocal detection of major pathogens such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Streptococcus agalactiae, and pathogenic Vibrio species. This diagnostic precision is foundational to epidemiological surveillance, outbreak tracing, and the implementation of early warning systems that strengthen biosecurity protocols across Bangladesh’s aquaculture sector.

Bacterial Genomics and Virulence Factor Dissection

Building upon diagnostic identification, his research delves deeply into the comparative genomics of native Aeromonas and Streptococcus strains. Through whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, he identifies the specific genetic determinants governing antibiotic resistance, host tissue invasion, and biofilm formation. This work uncovers critical molecular targets that inform the rational design of novel therapeutics and intervention strategies tailored to endemic bacterial strains.

Indigenous Probiotics and Biocontrol Strategies

Recognizing the urgent need to reduce antibiotic dependence in aquaculture, Dr. Rahman leads a focused program on bioprospecting for native probiotics. His laboratory isolates and rigorously screens autochthonous Bacillus and lactic acid bacteria from the gut microbiota of healthy Bangladeshi fish. Strains demonstrating potent pathogen inhibition and host immune modulation are advanced as sustainable biocontrol agents, offering a viable, eco-friendly alternative for disease management in pond culture systems.

Marine Bioprospecting and Seaweed-Based Disease Prevention

Professor Rahman is actively engaged in marine bioprospecting, exploring the vast microbial diversity of the Bay of Bengal and coastal ecosystems for novel bioactive compounds. A significant focus of this work involves screening indigenous marine seaweeds and their associated epiphytic bacteria for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunostimulatory properties. His research investigates the potential of seaweed-derived polysaccharides and secondary metabolites as natural feed additives to enhance disease resistance in fish and shrimp, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemotherapeutics in aquaculture health management.

Vaccine Development and Host-Pathogen Interactions

Dr. Rahman applies reverse vaccinology and immunoproteomics to develop effective vaccines against predominant bacterial threats in tilapia and carp aquaculture. His approach integrates genomic data with host immune response profiling to identify protective antigens capable of eliciting robust, long-lasting immunity. This line of investigation aims to deliver practical vaccination solutions that safeguard fish health and enhance production efficiency.

Aquatic Metagenomics and Stress Tolerance Markers

Expanding the scope of his research, Dr. Rahman employs metagenomic approaches to decipher the complex microbial ecology of aquaculture ponds and their influence on system health. Concurrently, he investigates the genetic basis of environmental resilience by identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and molecular markers associated with thermal and salinity stress tolerance in indigenous fish populations. This work contributes to the long-term goal of breeding climate-resilient fish stocks for sustainable aquaculture.

Scholarly Impact & Collaboration

Dr. Rahman has published over 90 peer-reviewed research articles in leading international journals, including Scientific Reports, Microbiology Spectrum, BMC Biology, Aquaculture, Aquaculture Reports, Aquaculture Research, Journal of Fish Diseases, Plos One, Journal of Fungi, Microbiology Resources Announcements, Letters in Microbiology, and Journal of Applied Microbiology. He has also authored a textbook, multiple book chapters, and maintains active research collaborations with scientists in Japan, Australia, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA.

Academic Leadership & Career History

At GAU, he has provided steadfast administrative leadership, serving as Director of the Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (IBGE), Head of the Discipline of Fisheries Biotechnology, Head of the Department of Biotechnology and Head of the Department of Genetics and Fish Breeding.

Before joining this university in 2012, Dr. Rahman served as a Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) and held faculty positions at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Sylhet.

He is a dedicated mentor who has successfully supervised Ph D and MS students.