Bangladesh needs stronger IP standards to drive innovation: Lutfey Siddiqi

Bangladesh must proactively strengthen its intellectual property (IP), patent and copyright standards to unlock its full innovation potential, said Chief Adviser Prof. Yunus's Special Envoy for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi on Tuesday night.In a Facebook post, Siddiqi highlighted that for a country with rich cultural heritage, GI-certified products, indigenous innovation, creative industries and emerging capabilities in software development, IP should serve as a key driver of development.He said branding and certification of Bangladeshi products, ideas and experiences would help attract greater investment and expand international trade.Siddiqi noted that Bangladesh has already made progress in improving labour and environmental standards alongside advancing free trade agreements.“It’s time that we also embrace a roadmap towards better IP, patent and copyright standards,” he said, adding that the shift should come not from external pressure ahead of LDC graduation but from Bangladesh’s own ambition to strengthen its innovation ecosystem.He acknowledged that there are legitimate concerns ...

• 10 Dec 2025