Md Nasser Shahrear Zahedee highlights global collaboration, stronger GMP compliance, and regulatory capacity as key priorities for a sustainable transition.
Dhaka, 29 July 2026: Md Nasser Shahrear Zahedee, Chairman of Radiant Group, has emphasised the need for timely and coordinated preparation to sustain the growth and global competitiveness of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry following the country’s graduation from Least Developed Country status.
He made the remarks as a special guest at the strategic insight session titled “Bangladesh’s Upcoming LDC Graduation: Navigating the Challenges of Sustainable Transition,” organised by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh at its Ruhul Quddus Auditorium in Dhaka.
Mr Zahedee highlighted the strength of the local pharmaceutical industry, which currently meets nearly 98% of Bangladesh’s medicine demand. He noted that the eventual withdrawal of LDC-related flexibilities under the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights would introduce stricter patent requirements.
However, he stressed that the transition should be viewed as an opportunity for technological advancement rather than a threat. According to him, a focused preparation period of three to four years would allow Bangladesh to strengthen its legal frameworks, technical capabilities and policy support.
Mr Zahedee also observed that multinational pharmaceutical companies would require dependable local partners to operate in Bangladesh’s large domestic market. This could create significant opportunities for formal licensing agreements, technology transfer and enhanced technical expertise.
Closer collaboration with international pharmaceutical companies, he added, would strengthen compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice standards, improve regulatory capacity and support the expansion of exports into vaccines and other high-value healthcare products.
The discussion also addressed broader priorities, including institutional reform, productivity, export diversification, reliable energy supply, policy consistency and a predictable business environment.
Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir attended the event as Chief Guest. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and former National Board of Revenue Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA also participated as Special Guests, while Professor Dr Mustafizur Rahman of the Centre for Policy Dialogue presented the keynote paper.
Mr Zahedee’s remarks reflected a forward-looking vision based on preparedness, capability development and international collaboration. With coordinated action from the government, regulators and industry stakeholders, Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector can transform post-LDC challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth and global recognition.
Radiant Pharmaceuticals Limited remains committed to advancing quality standards, strengthening technical capabilities and supporting Bangladesh’s emergence as an innovative and globally competitive healthcare manufacturing hub.