Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry, regarded as one of the country’s most successful and globally competitive sectors, was said to be at a critical juncture as it prepared for stricter TRIPS compliance following the nation’s graduation from LDC status in 2026.

Although the sector currently supplied 98 per cent of domestic demand and exported to more than 160 countries, stakeholders cautioned that the loss of patent flexibilities could raise medicine prices, reduce access to generics and undermine export competitiveness.

These concerns were discussed at a consultation organised on August 27 by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) on the draft research report titled ‘Identification of the Key Challenges and Opportunities for the Pharmaceutical Sector in the Post-TRIPS Era.’

The event, held at BIDA’s multipurpose hall, was chaired by Shah Mohammad Mahboob, executive member (additional secretary) of BIDA, with Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman (of BIDA and BEZA, attending as chief guest.

The consultation began with a welcome address by Qazi Mohammad Hasan, director general of BIDA’s Marketing and Communication Wing, followed by a keynote presentation from Sitesh Chandra Bachar, professor of pharmacy at Dhaka University and team leader of the study.

Speakers acknowledged that the government has already taken proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition, including reforms to patent laws, reconstitution of the Drug Control Committee, operationalisation of the API Park, and strengthening of the regulatory framework.

These measures, they said, are designed to safeguard medicine affordability and sustain export growth.

The draft report also highlighted opportunities for Bangladesh to position itself as a global player in high-value drugs, biologics, biosimilars, and API production.

However, speakers cautioned that academic curricula remain misaligned with industry requirements and that greater research capacity and skilled manpower will be critical to competing in advanced pharmaceutical segments.

Against this backdrop, participants outlined a series of recommendations.

They urged finalisation of patent law reforms, coupled with stronger regulatory oversight and mechanisms to keep essential medicines affordable.

Investment in API production and high-value drug manufacturing was seen as vital, alongside support for local firms in securing international certifications to boost exports.

The report also called for expanded R&D partnerships between universities and industry, government incentives for innovation, and the development of clinical trial infrastructure.

Human capital development emerged as another priority, with stakeholders emphasising the need to modernise pharmacy curricula, introduce specialised training for biologics and biosimilars, and strengthen collaboration between academia and industry.

Strategic positioning on the global stage was also deemed essential, with Bangladesh encouraged to brand itself as a regional pharmaceutical hub, diversify its export markets, and build stronger public–private–academic partnerships.