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 involving sectors such as healthcare, which would require transitional arrangements and fact-based negotiations rather than fear-mongering. Countries that have faced similar challenges offer both positive and cautionary lessons, he said, stressing the need for Bangladesh to craft its own balanced roadmap.

Siddiqi shared that he held a virtual meeting on Tuesday with Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), joined by Professor Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, special assistant to the Chief Adviser.

He expressed gratitude to WIPO for its ongoing technical assistance in several IP-related initiatives and said Bangladesh looks forward to expanding this cooperation as part of a potential LDC Graduation Support Package.