Fakhrul calls for clear policy to protect pharma sector

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has voiced deep concern over potential risks facing Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector, urging the government to safeguard the industry with a transparent, inclusive, and industry-friendly policy, report agencies

"We have recently noticed that some non-transparent, one-sided policies and directives of the government, coupled with its inaction on certain issues, have put this promising at serious risks," he said in a statement.

The BNP leader pointed out that no representative from the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries was included in the recently-formed Drug Control Committee (DCC), its task force on essential medicines, and DCC's technical sub-committee.

"BNP emphasized that transparency, participatory decision-making and professional input are crucial for shaping policies, regulating, and advancing the pharmaceutical sector," he said.

Fakhrul said in the national interest, the best approach would be to find solutions jointly with the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries and all relevant stakeholders.

"We do not support the formation, amendment, or implementation of any committee that excludes industry entrepreneurs. With the upcoming LDC graduation, it is crucial to make the right decisions to protect this sector," he added.

The BNP leader noted no new medicines have been registered that for nearly two years, and medicine prices have not been adjusted for a long time.

He warned that by not approving new medicines, Bangladesh risks losing the TRIPS waiver advantage, as the country is set to graduate to middle-income status on 24 November 2026.

Meanwhile, BNP senior leader Dr AZM Zahid Hossain has described the threat to resist the national election in early February as an 'echo of autocracy.'

"We now hear many things… some are even threatening that the February election will not be allowed to take place. Such statements appear to echo the behaviour and rhetoric of past dictators," he said while talking to reporters after paying tribute to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman on Wednesday.

Dr Zahid, a BNP standing committee member, made the remarks in reaction to National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Nasiruddin Patwary's comment on resisting the election in February.