DCCI calls for stronger IPR framework after LDC graduation

Bangladesh needs to strengthen its intellectual property rights (IPR) framework to remain competitive in international markets after graduating from the least developed country (LDC) category, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed said today (21 September).

He called for a shift from production volume to innovation, branding, technology transfer and value addition. He said effective IPR protection and enforcement would be critical to the transition.

Taskeen made the remarks while delivering the welcome address at a focus group discussion titled "Industrial Shift in the Post-LDC Era: Strategies for IPR Issues of Key Industries" at the DCCI Auditorium in Motijheel, Dhaka.

The DCCI and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance jointly organised the discussion under the Support to Sustainable Graduation Project (SSGP).

Taskeen said intellectual assets are becoming increasingly important alongside physical assets in the global economy.

"After LDC graduation, Bangladesh needs to develop a strong IPR ecosystem to remain competitive in international markets," he said.

He identified regulatory delays, weak coordination among relevant institutions, limited capacity to tackle piracy and counterfeit products, and low business awareness of IPR as major challenges.

Taskeen proposed better coordination among existing institutions and steps to establish a modern and effective Intellectual Property Office of Bangladesh (IPOB).

He also called for dedicated IP tribunals or benches in Dhaka and Chattogram to ensure faster resolution of IPR disputes. He urged specialised IPR training for customs and police officials.

The DCCI president recommended fully digitising the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT)'s registration and examination processes to reduce backlogs.

He also called for skilled and specialised examiners in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, where IPR issues can be technically complex.

Taskeen further proposed setting up Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) at universities and research institutions, along with a central platform to strengthen links between industries and researchers.

He said greater IPR awareness among small and medium-sized enterprises was necessary. He also called for treating intellectual property as an economic asset that could potentially be used to access finance.

On digital piracy, he proposed an effective notice-and-takedown mechanism in line with copyright laws and relevant cyber regulations.

Representatives from key industries, government agencies and business organisations attended the discussion.

The panel included Raisul Kabir, Founder and CEO of Brain Station 23 Limited; Md Azizur Rahman FCS, Director General of the Intellectual Property Association of Bangladesh; KSM Mostafizur Rahman, President of the Bangladesh Agrochemical Manufacturers Association; Mahmud Hasan Khan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Managing Director of Rising Fashions Ltd; Abdul Muktadir, President of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI); Dr Mostafa Abid Khan, CEO of the Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI); Abdul Baki, Project Adviser of SSGP and former government secretary; Dr Saif Uddin Ahammad, Joint Secretary of the Trade Support Measures Wing at the Ministry of Commerce; S M Arshad Imam, Copyright Registrar (Additional Secretary) of the Copyright Office Bangladesh; and Md Jahangir Hossain, Director General of the Department of Patents, Industrial Designs and Trademarks.

The programme also featured a keynote presentation by Ataul Karim of the Faculty of Law, University of Oxford, and former consultant at WIPO Academy.

Md Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division under the Ministry of Finance, attended the event as chief guest.