For decades, the robust immunisation programs of Bangladesh, a cornerstone of its public health success, were entirely dependent on imported vaccines. During the pandemic, this dependency often placed the nation in a vulnerable position, leading to supply shortages and subsequently delaying critical vaccination programs. While the pharmaceutical sector has expanded remarkably over the past two decades, vaccine manufacturing was long considered beyond the technical and infrastructural reach of the nation itself.
That perception has now changed. With the establishment of a world-class vaccine manufacturing facility by a local company, Bangladesh has entered a new era-one where it not only produces vaccines for its own population but also stands poised to contribute to global health security.
A decisive turning point came in 2011, when a pioneering Bangladeshi enterprise established the first state-of-the-art vaccine manufacturing facility in the country. This milestone marked a historic shift from dependency on imports to domestic manufacturing of high-quality vaccines. Building on this foundation, the ecosystem has since expanded, with other companies joining to create a robust and rapidly evolving vaccine industry.
The cornerstone of this progress lies in the deliberate investment in scientific capacity and research excellence. A new generation of skilled Bangladeshi scientists is now proficient in advanced biotechnological processes, from cultivating bacterial and viral cultures to designing innovative vaccine formulations. This homegrown expertise has transformed what was once unimaginable -local vaccine design and production -into an attainable national success story.
The establishment of large-scale bulk antigen production facilities represents another significant leap forward in securing national health resilience. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, these facilities can produce hundreds of millions of doses annually. This capacity not only ensures self-reliance in meeting domestic immunisation needs but also positions Bangladesh to contribute to global vaccine supply chains in times of emergency.
To ensure compliance with international standards, the industry has adopted rigorous quality control systems, including preclinical animal testing, batch-by-batch validation, and advanced analytical methods. A nationwide cold-chain logistics network maintains precise temperature control from production to end-user, guaranteeing that each dose delivered remains safe and potent.
The results of this national endeavour are both measurable and inspiring. Today, Bangladesh produces more than a dozen essential vaccines locally. Key vaccines such as Hepatitis B, Anti-Rabies, Meningococcal, Oral Cholera, and Typhoid Conjugate are now manufactured from domestically produced raw materials. This shift has reduced costs, minimised import reliance, and made life-saving vaccines more accessible to all citizens. The progress of Bangladesh has also gained international recognition. The country has been included in global initiatives to develop advanced vaccine platforms, such as mRNA technology, placing it among a select group of nations contributing to next-generation vaccine research and innovation.
What was once a dream has now become a reality: Bangladesh is exporting vaccines and biologics to many countries across the globe. Supplying flu and meningitis vaccines for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims in Muslim-majority nations across Asia and Africa marks a particularly significant achievement.
Further solidifying this progress, the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) is in the final stages of achieving the coveted World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification landmark certification that will enable Bangladesh to supply vaccines to global agencies such as UNICEF, This milestone will officially establish Bangladesh as a credible contributor to international health equity.
The transformation from total dependency to self-sufficiency in vaccine production stands as one of the most remarkable chapters in Bangladesh's recent history. It reflects not only industrial achievement but also the strength of national resolve, scientific ambition, and public health vision. Bangladesh is no longer merely a recipient of global aid; it is emerging as a worldwide partner, ready to protect not only its own population but also vulnerable communities worldwide.
The nation's rise in vaccine manufacturing is more than a story of success- it is a declaration of resilience, innovation, and leadership on the global stage.
Md Morsaline Billah, PhD, is Professor and Head, Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University. morsaline@bge.ku.ac.bd
