Intellectual property right (IPR) has never got attention in Bangladesh. But, now the country at the first step of the middle income country ladder and it will be an opportunity and challenge.
“Modern world is all about intellectual property, not asset property,” Centre for Policy Dialogue Distinguish Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya told Bangladesh Tribune.
So far, we fail to consider IPR as a mainstream issue as there is a lack of appreciation of its potential and we need to wake up, he feels.
He said, there is no connection between IPR and overall national development process.
The noted economist is of the view that a National Copyright council should be formed to look after the entire issue.
“IPR in Bangladesh is bifurcated as now copyright issue is dealt by Cultural ministry while patent and others are by Industries Ministry and there is a serious coordination gap,” he said.
In present day, Geographical Indications and Traditional Knowledge are two very important aspects and we need to pay attention to it, Debapriya said.
Through Geographical Indications, Benarasee Saree, Hilsa Fish and other domestic assets can be registered while Traditional Knowledge will take care of own fairy tales, songs and other intangible features which we posses for thousands of years, he said.
“We need to strengthen legal framework and develop institutions to monitor and implement necessary laws,” he added.
We need to do it to reap benefits for ourselves as there is a local infringement also, the economist said.
“Our internet or IT products or the artists will get the benefits,” he said.
He said in addition to that if we want to promote local readymade garment brands, we need to give them protection.
Former Bangladesh Ambassador to China Munshi Faiz Ahmed said, “We need to develop the sector for our own benefit.”
Citing example, he said oral dehydration saline popularly known as khabar saline is invested in Bangladesh and is being used all over the world.
“We need to know who is getting the royalty,” he said.
He is of the view that there should be a negotiation to fix a fair price.
“It is true in future we have to pay royalty or buy IPR products but we should not be charged exorbitantly,” he said.