State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury today said Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector could be advanced further by utilizing the expertise and international experience of Bangladeshi scientists and researchers working abroad.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a high-level seminar titled "Role of Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB) Scientists in Advancing Biotech and Biosimilar Drugs in Bangladesh's Pharmaceutical Industry" held at a prestigious hotel in the capital this evening.

The event was jointly organised by Business America Magazine, Arthakantha and NRB World.

Yasser said Bangladesh has been making remarkable progress in the pharmaceutical industry on a continuous basis. 

The involvement of expatriate Bangladeshi scientists in high-tech sectors such as biotech and biosimilar medicines would make the domestic pharmaceutical industry stronger and more competitive in the global market, he added.

He called upon expatriate professionals to contribute to the modernisation of Bangladesh's healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors and assured the government's policy support for such initiatives.

The keynote paper was presented by internationally acclaimed NRB scientist Professor Dr M R Nasir Uddin. 

Drawing on his extensive international experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, he emphasised the importance of building an integrated partnership between global Bangladeshi scientific talent and domestic stakeholders.

Speaking as a special guest, Member of Parliament for Magura-1 constituency Md Monowar Hossain said, "A sense of apprehension often exists among expatriate Bangladeshis regarding investment or research activities in the country. If a fair and supportive research environment can be ensured, our talented professionals abroad will certainly return home."

He said, "With collective cooperation, we can also become a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry. Our goal should be to ensure that Bangladesh does not remain dependent on imported medicines in the future and that people can access internationally standard medicines at affordable prices."

General Secretary of the National Press Club Ayub Bhuiyan also spoke as a special guest.

He said journalists are always ready to support research, scientific advancement and the development of the pharmaceutical industry. 

He also assured that the National Press Club would continue to support such initiatives.

Photo : BSS

Among others, Dr Shah Md Aman Ullah, a physician attached to the Prime Minister's Office, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Rahima Begum, BNP Assistant Health Affairs Secretary Dr Parvez Reza Kakon and other distinguished personalities from the health and policymaking sectors addressed the seminar.

Earlier, Managing Editor of Business America Magazine and Arthakantha and Founder of NRB World Enamul Haque Enam and Executive Editor of Business America Magazine Sumaiya Zaman delivered welcome speeches at the opening session.

Following the discussion, the guests unveiled a special edition of Business America Magazine. 

Later, honorary awards were presented to distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the relevant sectors.