Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2010; 1(1):8

Intellectual Property Rights

Prof Shah Mohammad Keramat Ali, Senior Consultant, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Bangladesh 
Institute of Diabetes Endocrine and Metabolism (BIRDEM). 

Email: keramatinfs@yahoo.com

Medical research done in collaboration with its host institutions is engaged in the direct active conduct of research in 
conjunction with hospitals. Scientific research in the public interest  and its objective with respect  to intellectual 
property  arising  from  its  research  activities  is  the  dissemination  of  such  property  for  public  use  on  a  non-
discriminatory basis. The host institution should adopt policies and procedures to govern the ownership, assignment, 
and dissemination of its intellectual property. Its policies and procedures relating to Institute Intellectual property 
generally are set forth in this Intellectual Property Policy (the policy). Further policies and procedures relating to 
scientific research collaborations, materials transfer agreements, consulting, and other issues are set forth elsewhere 
and are not included in this Policy. But this is practically not practiced in Bangladesh.

Bioethics in Biotechnology - Bangladesh perspective

Dr. R.H. Sarker, Department of Botany, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000

Email: rhsarker2000@yahoo.co.uk

Biotechnology consists of a gradient of technology, ranging from long established and widely used techniques of 
traditional  biotechnology  through  to  modern  biotechnology  based  on  the  application  of  recombinant  DNA 
technology.  The  advent  of  genetically  modified  crops  with  pest  and  disease  tolerance,  efficient  recombinant 
vaccines  and  waste-detoxifying  bacteria  has  become  a  reality.  Application  of  biotechnology  has  lead  to  the 
improvement  in  lives  of  people  from  both  developed  and  developing  countries.  The  economic  potential  of 
biotechnology in agriculture, health, energy and environment is well recognized. 

On the other hand there also exists apprehension as modern biotechnology may pose certain risks to human health 
and  environment.  Bangladesh  is  relatively new in the  field  of  biotechnology research  and development.  Many 
research  institutes  and  universities  in  the  country  are  currently  involved  in  various  plant  and  microbial 
biotechnological  research.  Bangladesh  is  a  signatory of  Cartagene  Protocol  on Biosafety to  the Convention on 
Biological Diversity. In recognition of the importance of ensuring the safe application of biotechnology Bangladesh 
has developed Biosafety Guidelines as well as a Biosafety Framework. Biotechnological research is being carried 
out  following  these  biosafety  guidelines.   In  these  biosafety  documents  concerns  of  ethical  issues  related  to 
biotechnology  has  been  raised.  However,  Bangladesh  is  yet  to  develop  policies  on  bioethics  related  to 
biotechnology. Moreover in general bioethical education is very limited in various phases of science education and 
research in Bangladesh.

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mailto:rhsarker2000@yahoo.co.uk
mailto:keramatinfs@yahoo.com