Taniya Akter and Fariha ahmed, students at Chittagong University’s Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (batch of 2020), have achieved a groundbreaking perfect CGPA of 4.00, the highest ever in the department’s history. Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is known as a demanding field, keeping students heavily engaged in research, lab work, classes, and exams.
From their very first day at the university, a friendship blossomed between them, and they also became study partners. Upon receiving perfect graduation results- a CGPA of 4.00, the highest ever recorded in their department’s history- both were ecstatic.
For the first time since its establishment in 2004, two students in the department have earned a perfect CGPA upon graduation. The final-year exams took place late last year, and the results, released on March 26th, show that out of the 28 participants, an impressive 90 percent achieved a CGPA higher than 3.50.
Taniya Akter shared her feelings and said that she always wanted to study well. She feels very good about achieving the best result. Her parents have always encouraged her. She added that her teachers have also helped her a lot. Taniya wants to pursue higher education in the future.
Taniya explained that she was dedicated student from the start and consistently attended her classes. However, shortly after her admission, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, leading to the university’s closure. This left her at home for an extended period, during which she structured her own learning.
Although she was focused on achieving strong grades, she didn’t anticipate earning the highest distinction. This accomplishment required significant effort. She recounted having to give four to five tuitions from her first year onwards, sometimes sleeping only three hours a night to keep up with her studies. Even during her final graduation exams, she continued to tutor four students. Adding to her challenges, her father fell ill in 2021, making her tuition earnings essential for funding her education.
Looking ahead, Taniya aspires to be a proficient researcher. She diligently reads research papers from prominent international journals focusing on genetic engineering and biotechnology and is actively learning research methodologies. She expressed her desire to conduct research with practical benefits for people and has already begun investigating the specific gene associated with high blood pressure.
“I have read the complex issues over and over again”, Fariha Ahmed, who studied at Viqarunnisa Noon School and College in Dhaka, had always envisioned pursuing biology. However, her path led her approximately 300km away from her hometown.
Fariha responded, “Genetic engineering is a little different from other fields of engineering disciplines”. It works with animal genes were first discussed in a chapter when I was in ninth school. That piqued my curiosity.
She moved into a mess near to the university after being admitted. She has continued her education and extracurricular activities in equal measure throughout the past five years. She managed lab work and attended classes on a regular basis. “Gene engineering was a little challenging” Fariha added.
In instance, there was a course called metabolism. We had a lot of reactions to match. I have repeatedly read about these really complicated subjects.
Upon the announcement of the results, Fariha’s entire family was overjoyed. She herself stated that she approached every subject with significant dedication, often studying until she completed her task, and that this hard work had been rewarded.
In the future, Fariha aims to pursue a PhD in molecular genetics. Her goal is contributing to the early diagnosis of diseases and the creation of effective treatment approaches.
The faculty of the Department are also delighted with the achievements of these two students.
