Fakhrul warns of crisis in pharma industry
Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has expressed concern over the crisis and risks emerging in the country’s pharmaceutical industry. He conveyed this concern in a statement sent to the media on Wednesday.
The statement said, “Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry has long been making significant contributions to the country’s economy, public health, and employment. Meeting nearly 100% of domestic demand while steadily expanding export prospects, the sector has earned special recognition in the global arena.”
It said high-quality medicines made in Bangladesh are now exported to more than 160 countries, including the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia. Moreover, the industry is advancing towards achieving special capacity in producing APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients).
It should be noted that during the BNP’s tenure in power, several important and positive initiatives were taken in the national interest to develop this sector. Notably, the formulation of the Drug Pricing Policy in 1994, updating the National Drug Policy in 2002, strengthening the Drug Administration in 2003, utilizing TRIPS waivers to produce affordable generic medicines, registering new medicines, providing export incentives, and increasing investments in research and skilled workforce development were among the key measures. These initiatives had a positive impact on the success of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry.
The BNP leader said, “In recent times, we have observed that certain non-transparent, one-sided policy measures and directives adopted by the government, along with inaction on some issues, have created particular risks for this promising sector. Specifically, it has come to our attention that the recently formed Drug Control Committee (DCC), the task force formed to ensure the list and availability of essential medicines, and the Technical Sub-Committee of the Drug Control Committee (DCC) have no representation from the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries.”
The BNP believes that transparency, participatory decision-making, and the inclusion of professional opinions are essential in policy formulation, regulation, and development of the pharmaceutical industry. The best approach in the national interest would be to find solutions jointly through discussion with the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries and all industry stakeholders. We do not support the formation, drafting, or amendment of any committee that excludes industry entrepreneurs. With the upcoming LDC graduation, correct decisions must be prioritized to protect this sector.
“We have also become aware that for almost the past two years, no new medicine registrations have been issued, and for a considerable time, there has been no price adjustment for medicines. Moreover, the lack of new registrations is putting Bangladesh at risk of losing the TRIPS waiver. This is because, on 24 November 2026, Bangladesh will officially graduate to a middle-income country. In this situation, we believe new medicine registrations should be granted as quickly as possible,” it read.
The BNP Secretary General said, Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry is no longer just a manufacturing sector-it has become a strategic national asset. Timely and responsible decision-making to protect and develop this sector is now extremely urgent.
“We believe that coordinated cooperation among the government, private sector, pharmaceutical industry entrepreneurs, relevant experts, and researchers will help advance Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry towards sustainable development,” he said.
Mirza Fakhrul said that the BNP hopes the government will take effective measures, consult with industry entrepreneurs, and adopt industry-friendly decisions to maintain the stability and reputation of the country’s pharmaceutical industry.