DHAKA, June 22, 2026 (BSS) – The government has formed a 22-member National Drug Advisory Council (NDAC) to support the development of the country's pharmaceutical sector, implement the National Drug Policy and ensure the availability of essential medicines.

“The Health and Family Welfare Minister will serve as the chair of the council, while the secretary of the ministry will act as member-secretary,” according to a gazette notification issued by the Cabinet Division's Committee Affairs Branch on Sunday.

Members of the council include: the state minister for health and family welfare, the prime minister's special assistant on health affairs, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), secretary of the Finance Division, chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and secretaries of several ministries and divisions, among others.

Vice-chancellors of Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) and Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), along with representatives from academia, professional bodies and business organisations, including the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) and Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Society, have also been included.

According to the gazette, the council will advise the government on implementing the National Drug Policy, promoting the domestic pharmaceutical industry and ensuring adequate production and supply of medicines to meet national demand.

It will also recommend formulation and biennial updating of the essential medicines list covering allopathic, ayurvedic, unani, homeopathic, biochemical, herbal and veterinary medicines.

The council will provide policy advice on the import, production, storage and distribution of medicines and pharmaceutical raw materials, as well as on improving medicine-related services in public healthcare institutions, added the notification.

It will meet at least twice a year, while additional meetings may be convened if necessary. The council will also have the authority to co-opt members as required.

The order came into effect immediately, added the notification.