Biotech key to Bangladesh’s food security: finance adviser

Stressing the urgent need for scientific innovation to secure Bangladesh's food future, Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed today highlighted the critical role of biotechnology in advancing the country's agricultural economy.

"Without the advancement of biotechnology, Bangladesh cannot move forward. It is one of the most vital branches of modern science, especially in ensuring food security for our growing population," he said.

Praising the country's agricultural scientists, Ahmed said, "When we were 75 million, we struggled. Today we are over 170 million people, and yet we can feed ourselves. That's a testimony to the contribution of our scientists—whether in rice, fisheries, or livestock."

The adviser made the comments at the closing session of the International Conference on Biotechnology in Health and Agriculture, hosted by the Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in the capital.

However, he expressed concern over the poor utilisation of research funds.

"Despite limited resources, even the funds we allocate aren't always used effectively. Many researchers focus more on publications or pursuing multiple postdocs abroad rather than solving real problems at home."

He called for stronger collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and communities. "Scientific research must go beyond labs and journals. It must be communicated in a way the public and policymakers can understand. Only then will we see real impact," he said.

Ahmed also pointed to the issue of brain drain, noting that more than half of scholarship recipients do not return to Bangladesh.

"I don't blame them for seeking better opportunities, but we need a stronger sense of commitment to national development."

To drive innovation, he proposed forming a national platform or network connecting scientists, decision-makers, and end-users.

"This could be led by the Ministry of Science and Technology or institutions like the Institute of Biotechnology. I will personally support such an initiative."

He also lamented the stalled progress of the "National Gene Bank project," a Bangladeshi government initiative led by the National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB), citing bureaucratic delays. "We initiated it, but it was halted beyond my control. Meanwhile, countries like Pakistan are moving ahead."

Referring to Nobel Laureate Michael Kremer's development innovation model, Ahmed stressed the importance of translating research into field-level solutions.

"Kremer's model focuses on getting agricultural knowledge directly to farmers. We can adopt similar strategies."

He lauded young researchers and poster presenters at the event, urging continued investment in local talent.

"Bangladesh has great scientific minds. The challenge is to retain and support them so their work addresses real-world needs."

In a parallel session, Ahmed Abdullah Azad, distinguished professor at Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, projected that pharmaceutical exports could reach $1 billion within five years, driven by high-quality generics and competitive pricing.

"Bangladeshi pharma companies are already exporting world-class generic medicines. We're now ready to do the same with biosimilars," he said.

While most biosimilars in Bangladesh currently use imported active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), companies like Incepta have begun producing key biosimilar APIs—such as insulin and interferon—using seed clones from global biotech institutes.

"This is a golden opportunity. We must now focus on producing seed clones for patented biologics like monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and Fc-fusion proteins," Azad said.

These treatments, essential for cancer and autoimmune diseases, remain unaffordable for many in low-income countries.

Bangladesh enjoys a significant advantage under TRIPS patent exemptions until at least 2026, giving it the freedom to replicate high-cost biologics for domestic and international markets.

"Countries like China and India are bound by patents—Bangladesh can act now, before the window closes," he said.

Azad stressed that biosimilars also have strong demand in developed nations looking for cost-effective healthcare solutions.

"This isn't just about access—it's also about wealth creation and industrial competitiveness."

Among others, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Vice Chancellor Md Abdul Latif, BRAC University Registrar Dave Dowland, and BNOBB Vice President Haseena Khan also addressed the event.