Bangladesh has highlighted its steadfast commitment to overcoming challenges and fostering a robust environment for intellectual property growth.
"We are dedicated to addressing challenges like Intellectual Property Rights Protection to ensure the realisation of our goal of emerging as a developed country," said Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Industries Zakia Sultana told a seminar.
Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, she said, they are confident about their ability to secure a future where intellectual assets drive economic prosperity.
The visionary dream set by the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was to build a 'Golden Bangladesh,’ she said.
Extending this noble vision, PM envisions transforming the nation into a 'Smart Bangladesh' by 2041, she added.
"This unwavering commitment aligns seamlessly with the enduring aspirations of Bangabandhu, reflecting a dedicated pursuit of progress and prosperity for the nation," she said.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) hosted the seminar on “IPR Protection & Practices: Driving Economic Growth in Bangladesh” at the Sheraton Hotel, Dhaka.
AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed chaired the panel discussion.
Joseph Giblin, Economic Unit Chief of US Embassy Dhaka moderated the seminar and Barrister Hamidul Mishbah, IP Lawyer & Founder, Bangladesh IP Forum joined as the Panelist and spoke on the topic.
The other panelists present at the seminar were: Hossain Ahmed, member customs, audit, modernisation and international trade of NBR, Md Munim Hassan, director general of the Department of Patent, Industrial Design and Trademarks (DPDT), Shilpi Jha, senior legal IP counsel for South Asia of US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Members of the Chamber including the Executive Committee Members, former presidents, foreign dignitaries, business leaders, government high officials from different ministries, media representatives and other distinguished guests attended the seminar.
AmCham Vice President Syed Mohammad Kamal offered a vote of thanks.
The active involvement of fundamental entities, including NBR, judiciaries, police, IP offices, and others, demonstrates ongoing efforts to enhance IP enforcement, Zakia said.
"Exploring impact assessments with support from organisations like WIPO/WTO reflects our commitment to a pragmatic evaluation of the implications of losing TRIPS exemptions," she said.
AmCham President said challenges are inevitable, but all stakeholders must act and work together towards a common goal to create an effective and more robust IPR regime in Bangladesh.
