DHAKA, March 29 (V7N) — Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has vowed that no irregularities or corruption will be tolerated in the health sector, despite the challenges it faces.

“There are various crises in the health sector. Everyone’s cooperation will be needed to address them,” the minister said while inaugurating the 17th Asia Pharma Expo at the Bangladesh‑China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal on Sunday. He urged all stakeholders to work together to prevent corruption and strengthen transparency.

The three‑day expo, organized by the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry Association, runs from March 29 to 31 and features around 400 companies from 20 countries, showcasing innovations and promoting Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry globally.

Speaking as a special guest, Health Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury said the event is more than an exhibition — it is a step forward in advancing the country’s pharmacy sector. He highlighted the role of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in laying the foundation of the industry, noting that current entrepreneurs continue to enrich it.

Abdul Muktadir, chairman and managing director of Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and president of the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry Association, said Bangladesh exports medicines worth $300 million annually, playing an important role in global pharmaceutical production. He stressed that the sector, including the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) industry, needs further policy support to grow.

Other speakers included Mohammad Hasan Arif, Vice Chairman and CEO of the Export Promotion Bureau; Major General Md. Shamim Haider, Director General of the Bangladesh Drug Administration; Paresh Jurmarvala, CEO of GPE Expo Ltd.; and Dr. Md. Zakir Hossain, secretary general of the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry Association.

Caption: Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain inaugurates Asia Pharma Expo, vows zero tolerance for corruption in health sector.