Dr. Mohammad Golzar Hossain was born into a farming family in Bhurungamari Upazila of Kurigram. He completed his secondary education at a local school in 2003 and his higher secondary education from Bhurungamari Degree College in 2005. In 2006, he was admitted to the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University and graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2010.
In 2012, he earned a Master of Science in Microbiology from the same faculty’s Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, receiving the President’s Gold Medal. He then joined as a lecturer. In 2014, he received a MEXT scholarship to pursue a PhD at Osaka University, Japan, completing his PhD in Medical Science in 2018. Currently, he is a postdoctoral researcher funded by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, focusing on Hepatitis B virus.
Dr. Golzar Hossain’s main research areas include the pathophysiology of the Hepatitis B virus, viral mutation, interactions with human cell proteins, and the development of new vaccines, diagnostic kits, and antiviral drugs.
💬 Q&A Session:
Question: Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Answer: First, I would like to thank Biggani.org for interviewing me. I was born to a farmer father and homemaker mother in a remote village in Bhurungamari, Kurigram. I always feel comfortable and proud to introduce myself in this way. I completed my secondary education from a local school and higher secondary from Bhurungamari Degree College. In 2006, I enrolled in the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Bangladesh Agricultural University and obtained my DVM degree in 2010. In 2012, I completed my master’s degree and received the President’s Gold Medal. In 2014, I began my PhD at Osaka University, Japan, and obtained the degree in 2018. I am currently engaged in postdoctoral research there.
Question: What are you currently researching?
Answer: I am researching the Hepatitis B virus. This virus is a cause of liver cancer. Once infected, it is impossible to completely remove the virus’s DNA from the patient’s liver. Sometimes, antiviral drugs can lead to the emergence of resistant viruses. Due to newly mutated Hepatitis B viruses, existing vaccines and diagnostic kits can often become ineffective. I am investigating the pathophysiology of the virus, its replication, and its interaction with human cell proteins, which will help in developing new diagnostic kits, vaccines, and medicines.
Question: In which areas might your research be useful in the future?
Answer: The results of my research will help develop new diagnostic kits, vaccines, and antiviral drugs in the future. Since there is limited research on Hepatitis B in Bangladesh, it would be possible to develop domestic vaccines or kits from local virus isolates. I have also worked on Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, which will help in blood cancer research.
Question: What aspect of viruses and microbes surprises you the most?
Answer: Although viruses are extremely small, they can enter human cells, alter cellular function, and cause severe diseases including cancer. On the other hand, it is fascinating that scientists can use recombinant viruses and bacteria to produce substances beneficial for humans, like insulin and hormones.
Question: Why are pathogens becoming more “smart” over time?
Answer: Due to environmental and climate changes, new mutated viruses and bacteria are emerging. In addition, the unnecessary use of antibiotics or antivirals allows microbes to mutate and develop resistance.
Question: Who encouraged you the most to become a scientist?
Answer: I am the son of a farmer. Professor Dr. Sukumar Saha and Professor Dr. Md. Alimul Islam from Bangladesh Agricultural University are my role models in research. Their inspiration and pioneering research on local animal diseases encouraged me on the path to becoming a scientist.
Question: What is your experience working with young people in Bangladesh?
Answer: I am currently conducting research with young students at Bangladesh Agricultural University. They start focusing on research from their third year as undergraduates. Through connections with organizations like Mark Animal Health in the United States, they have received research fellowships. This is increasing enthusiasm for research among young people.
Question: What are the fundamental differences between scientists in Bangladesh and Japan?
Answer: There is little fundamental research conducted in Bangladesh, and scientists often work across a broad range of subjects. In Japan, research topics are specific and the quality of expertise is modern. As a result, Japan is able to innovate and export new technologies.
Question: What are your future plans?
Answer: After completing my postdoctoral research, I intend to return to Bangladesh and focus on research and teaching at Bangladesh Agricultural University. I hope to use my expertise to conduct domestic research on Hepatitis B and other oncogenic viruses.
Question: What advice do you have for young scientists?
Answer: For those interested in discovering the mysteries of creation and keen on innovating new technologies, I have two pieces of advice: first, take your studies seriously, whatever your subject may be. Second, regularly read news and opinion pieces from journals like Nature, Science, and Cell related to your field of research.
Dr. Mohammad Golzar Hossain’s research is making significant contributions to the development of new technologies and treatments for Hepatitis B and oncogenic viruses. His work is a source of inspiration for young scientists in Bangladesh. The scientist.org team wishes Dr. Golzar Hossain all the best in his future research and initiatives, and hopes his work will make a great contribution to the health and science sectors in Bangladesh.
Fighting Liver Cancer Through Research: Dr. Golzar Hossain’s Insights
Dr. Golzar Hossain was born in a rural farming family in Bhurungamari, Kurigram District, Bangladesh. His father was a farmer, and his mother a homemaker. He completed his secondary education in 2003 and higher secondary education in 2005, earning the highest GPA in his district. In 2006, he enrolled in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Bangladesh Agricultural University and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree in 2010, placing third in his class.
In 2012, Dr. Hossain obtained a Master of Science in Microbiology from the same faculty, ranking first in his class and receiving the President’s Gold Medal. He joined the faculty as a lecturer and later, in 2014, received a Japanese Government MEXT scholarship to pursue a PhD at Osaka University’s Medical School, completing it in 2018 in Medical Science.
Currently, he is a postdoctoral researcher supported by the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, focusing on Hepatitis B virus (HBV) research. His work investigates viral pathophysiology, mutations, interactions with human proteins, and the development of new diagnostics, vaccines, and antiviral drugs.
💬 Q&A Session:
Q: Could you briefly tell us about yourself?
A: First, I would like to thank Biggani.org for the opportunity to share my story. I was born into a farming family in Bhurungamari, Kurigram. My father is a farmer, and my mother is a homemaker. I am proud of my roots. I completed my secondary education locally in 2003, higher secondary in 2005, and earned the highest GPA in my district. In 2006, I joined Bangladesh Agricultural University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and received my DVM degree in 2010, ranking third. In 2012, I earned my MSc in Microbiology, receiving the President’s Gold Medal. In 2014, I began my PhD at Osaka University, Japan, under the MEXT scholarship, and completed it in 2018. I am currently conducting postdoctoral research there.
Q: What is your current research focus?
A: I am studying the Hepatitis B virus, which is a major cause of liver cancer. Once a patient is infected, it is nearly impossible to completely remove the virus’s DNA from the liver. Antiviral drugs sometimes lead to drug-resistant viral strains. Mutated Hepatitis B viruses may evade existing vaccines and diagnostic kits. My research focuses on viral pathophysiology, replication, and interactions with human proteins, aiming to develop new diagnostics, vaccines, and antiviral drugs.
Q: How could your research be applied in the future?
A: The outcomes of my research could aid in developing new diagnostic kits, vaccines, and antiviral drugs for both original and mutated Hepatitis B viruses. Since Hepatitis B research in Bangladesh is limited, I hope to isolate local strains and develop country-specific solutions. I have also worked on Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, a human blood cancer virus, and this expertise can contribute to antiviral drug development for other oncogenic viruses.
Q: What aspect of viruses and microbes amazes you the most?
A: Despite being tiny, viruses can enter human cells and alter their functions, causing severe diseases including cancer. It is equally fascinating that scientists can engineer recombinant viruses or bacteria to produce human-beneficial substances like insulin and hormones.
Q: You mentioned microbes are becoming “smarter” over time. Why is that?
A: By “smarter,” I mean more harmful. Climate change and environmental factors are creating new mutated viruses and bacteria. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics and antivirals also drives microbes to develop resistance. This presents a major challenge for developing new medicines.
Q: Who inspired you to pursue a career in science?
A: Coming from a farming background, I never imagined I would become a scientist. While pursuing my MSc at Bangladesh Agricultural University, I observed several professors conducting impactful research in animal diseases. Professors Dr. Sukumar Saha and Dr. Md. Alimul Islam inspired me to pursue research and teaching.
Q: Could you tell us about your work with young scientists in Bangladesh?
A: I have collaborated with students at Bangladesh Agricultural University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Many students have been actively involved in research since their third year. By connecting them with organizations such as Mark Animal Health in the U.S., they have obtained research fellowships of $5,000 each, motivating them further.
Q: What differences have you noticed between scientists in Bangladesh and Japan?
A: In Bangladesh, fundamental research is limited and scientists often work on multiple subjects, reducing specialization. Japan, on the other hand, has highly specialized researchers with advanced skills, enabling new technology development and export.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: After completing my postdoctoral research, I plan to return to Bangladesh to focus on teaching and research at Bangladesh Agricultural University. I aim to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained to study Hepatitis B and other oncogenic viruses in a Bangladesh-specific context.
Q: What advice would you give to young aspiring scientists?
A: For those curious about the mysteries of creation and eager to innovate, I have two recommendations: first, study your field thoroughly, and second, read scientific magazines like Nature, Science, and Cell to stay informed about your research area.
Dr. Golzar Hossain’s research on Hepatitis B and other oncogenic viruses contributes significantly to future antiviral therapies, diagnostics, and vaccines. His dedication also serves as a source of inspiration for young scientists in Bangladesh. The biggani.org team wishes Dr. Hossain continued success and hopes his work continues to advance scientific knowledge and public health in Bangladesh and beyond.
Leave a comment