Dhaka

Dhaka has emerged as a powerhouse in the global life sciences ecosystem, primarily recognized as a premier hub for generic pharmaceutical manufacturing and high-quality export-oriented production.

As the city approaches its graduation from LDC status in late 2026, its pharmaceutical industry now meets 98% of domestic demand and exports to over 150 countries, bolstered by numerous US FDA and EU GMP-certified facilities.

Beyond traditional medicine, Dhaka is rapidly pivoting toward biotechnology and biosimilars, with significant investments in the production of complex biologics for oncology and immunology.

The city’s healthcare innovation landscape is further enriched by world-renowned research bodies like icddr,b, which leads global efforts in infectious disease research and public health interventions.

Dhaka’s medical device market is currently valued at nearly $900 million, reflecting a robust 13% CAGR driven by a surge in specialized diagnostic centers and private hospitals.

The ecosystem is supported by a strong academic research foundation, with institutions like the University of Dhaka and various specialized medical colleges fueling a pipeline of skilled scientific talent.

Regional infrastructure, including the dedicated active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) Industrial Park, is accelerating backward integration and reducing global supply chain dependencies.

Furthermore, the rise of health-tech startups and AI-enabled diagnostic tools is transforming patient care delivery across South Asia.

For global investors and partners, Dhaka offers a compelling mix of contract manufacturing (CMO) opportunities, favorable regulatory shifts and a massive, underserved patient population.

This strategic evolution positions Dhaka as a critical frontier for biomedical R&D and large-scale healthcare investment in the coming decade.