The Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) organized a seminar titled “Private Sector’s participation in the development of Health Sector of the Country: Potentials and Challenges” held on November 25, 2025 at the FBCCI Icon in Motijheel, Dhaka. The seminar was attended by host of bureaucrats, businessmen, academia, entrepreneurs from across the country.

During discussion, entrepreneurs urged for the timely policy-implementation for sustainable development of healthcare, medical equipment and pharmaceutical industries in the country. They also emphasized on simplifying the licensing and renewal process for private hospitals, medical equipment and pharmaceutical industries.

Speaking as the chief guest, Mr. Md. Saidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Health Services Division) emphasized on coordination between the government, private sector and academia for the development of the country's health sector. He informed that the government has already taken initiatives to simplify the licensing process of the pharmaceutical industry. He also mentioned that government has a regulatory role to ensure compliance of the pharmaceutical industry and the healthcare sector. The Health Secretary emphasized on establishing local industries for raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry and reducing import dependence to meet the challenges of the post-LDC era.

Mr. Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Administrator of FBCCI chaired the seminar. In his welcome speech, FBCCI Administrator asked for ensuring healthcare facilities for all citizens based on affordability and accessibility criteria. He called for collaborative efforts to ensure quality healthcare within affordable expenses.

Earlier, Mr. Md. Alamgir, Secretary General of FBCCI said, the private sector along with the government, contributed a lot to the development of the health sector. He emphasized on budget increase as well as increase of number of hospitals, clinics and nurses to ensure quality health services.

Dr. Syed Abdul Hamid, Professor of the Institute of Health Economics (Dhaka University) delivered the keynote in the seminar. He focused on the backwardness in the API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) industry as a major threat to the pharmaceutical industry in Bangladesh. He also highlighted licensing complexities for medical equipment and pharmaceutical industries as obstacles to the development of the industry.

Speaking as special guest, Mr. Md. Khorshed Alam ndc, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (Health Services Division) emphasized on collaborative effort as well as good governance in both public and private sector. He also asked for preparedness in the LDC Graduation scenario after 2026.

Gazi AKM Fazlul Haque, Director General of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) informed that BIDA has taken the initiative to prepare a separate draft policy for the medical equipment industry. He assured to finalize it at the earliest.

Joining the panel discussion, Managing Director of JMI group Mr. Md. Abdur Razzaq emphasized on timely policy implementation for sustainable development of the medical equipment industry in the country. He drew the attention of policy makers to protect local entrepreneurs of this sector.

Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) Major General (Retd.) Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Director of the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) Mr. Md. Ashraf Hossain and Senior Director of the BRAC Health Program Mr. Md. Akramul Islam also spoke at the seminar.

FBCCI Former Directors, General Body Members, business leaders from different chambers and associations, govt. officials joined the seminar.