The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) today organised a stakeholders’ consultation on the draft research report titled “Identification of the Key Challenges and Opportunities for the Pharmaceutical Sector in the Post-TRIPS Era.”

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

The programme began with a welcome address by Qazi Mohammad Hasan, director general (joint secretary) of BIDA’s Marketing and Communication Wing. This was followed by a keynote presentation on the draft research report delivered by Dr Sitesh Chandra Bachar, professor of the Department of Pharmacy at Dhaka University who was also the team leader of the research study.

Speakers noted that Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry — which now meets 98 percent of domestic demand and exports to more than 160 countries — stands as one of the country’s most successful sectors. With the graduation from LDC status set for 2026, they said, the sector is preparing for new opportunities and challenges under stricter TRIPS compliance.

Presenters highlighted that the government has already taken proactive steps to ensure a smooth transition, including reforms in patent laws, reconstitution of the Drug Control Committee, operationalization of the API Park, and further strengthening of the regulatory framework. These measures are expected to safeguard medicine affordability and sustain export growth.

The report also pointed to future opportunities for Bangladesh to position itself as a global player in high-value drugs, biologics, biosimilars, and API production. Industry leaders were encouraged to boost investment in advanced pharmaceutical segments, while academia were urged to modernize curricula and build research capacity to prepare skilled manpower. Speakers also stressed the need for aligning academic curriculum with the Pharmaceutical Industry needs.

Participants expressed confidence that, with the government’s leadership, Bangladesh can not only preserve its achievements in the pharmaceutical sector but also emerge as a regional hub in the post-TRIPS era.

Summing up the discussion, BIDA officials reaffirmed that strong collaboration between the government, industry, and academia will ensure competitiveness, innovation, and long-term sustainability of the country’s pharmaceutical industry.