Leaders of the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry Association met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday night and discussed current challenges and instability in the sector.

The meeting, held at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, focused on resolving the existing problems facing the pharmaceutical industry and exploring possible solutions.

The BNP Secretary General listened attentively to the pharmaceutical industry leaders and assured them of support for the sector's development.

Pharmaceutical Industry Association President Abdul Moqtadir, General Secretary SM Shafi Uzzaman, Vice Presidents Mosaddak Hossain, Mohammad Helaluzzaman, Mostafizur Rahman and Harun Ar Rashid, among others, spoke at the meeting.

BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Professor AZM Zahid Hossain were present.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Amir Khosru highlighted the significance of the pharmaceutical industry for Bangladesh, noting that while many developing countries rely on imported medicines, Bangladesh produces 98% of its medicines locally.

“We only import 2% of medicines. We are proud of this industry. Investment in this sector will continue to grow, leading to more job creation and significant contributions to GDP growth,” he said.

He acknowledged recent instability in the pharmaceutical sector but indicated that solutions have been identified.

Khosru emphasised the need to prevent further instability and misunderstandings among industry owners and workers, especially given the current economic challenges.

“To overcome this crisis, we must support the development of our burgeoning pharmaceutical industry,” Khosru said.

He mentioned that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has also highlighted the importance of this sector’s growth.

“All stakeholders, including owners and workers, must collaborate. We believe that with coordinated efforts, the pharmaceutical industry will become stronger in the future,” Khosru concluded.