Exploring Bangladesh’s Green Transition in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Brac University’s School of Pharmacy, Brac James P. Grant School of Public Health (JPGSPH), Center for Entrepreneurship Development (CED), and BSRM School of Engineering jointly organized a consultative meeting titled “Exploring Bangladesh’s Green Transition: Decarbonization in the Pharmaceutical Industry.” The event was held at Brac University’s Merul Badda campus.
The discussion brought together industry experts, policymakers, and researchers to explore decarbonization efforts and the adoption of renewable energy in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector. Participants highlighted the challenges, opportunities, and necessary steps for ensuring a sustainable transformation of the industry.
The meeting commenced with an inaugural address by Dr. Raid Zamir Uddin, Principal Investigator of the Rx-RET research project and Associate Professor at Brac University. He elaborated on the project’s objectives and goals. Dr. Atanu Rabbani, a faculty member of the Department of Economics at the University of Dhaka, presented findings from a previous energy transition research project. Meanwhile, Project Coordinator Amal Chowdhury outlined the research framework, methodology, and actionable strategies for integrating renewable energy solutions into the pharmaceutical sector under the Rx-RET project.
Following this, a panel discussion was moderated by Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury, Dean of BSRM School of Engineering. Notable panelists included Brac University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Farhat Anwar, Shafiqul Alam (Energy Lead, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis – IEEFA Bangladesh), Dr. Md. Akhtar Hossain (Director, Directorate General of Drug Administration), Syed Ishtiak Ahmed (Director, Innovation and Engineering, ME Solshare Ltd.), Raden Siddiqui (Founder and Director, Future Carbon Ltd.), Engineer Sharafat Ali (Executive Director, Incepta Pharmaceuticals), and Faruq Ahmed Jewel (Component Lead, Smart Bangladesh, EDGE Project, ICT Division).
During the discussion, Dr. Md. Akhtar Hossain emphasized, “Efforts to reduce carbon emissions must align with government policies to ensure a sustainable future for the industry.”
Brac University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Farhat Anwar noted, “To remain competitive in the global market, Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry must adopt renewable energy solutions and energy-efficient production processes.”
The event underscored the importance of renewable energy adoption and the collective effort required for a sustainable future. Participants expressed optimism that decarbonization initiatives in the pharmaceutical sector would significantly contribute to Bangladesh’s global sustainable development goals (SDGs).
