Md. Abdullah-Al-Mamun

As Bangladesh experiences rapid advancements in technology across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and digital innovation, the need for effective, flexible regulation has become urgent. Traditional regulatory models, often rigid and slow to respond, are not suited for the fast-paced development of new technologies. This can leave gaps that risk public safety, economic stability, and environmental health. An adaptive approach to regulation, a framework that allows policies to evolve based on new information and real-world outcomes, provides a promising solution for balancing growth with caution. Adaptive regulation—championed by experts in International Relations (IR) and technology policy—enables governments to respond in real-time to technological advancements, safeguarding both innovation and public welfare. By exploring applications across sectors, Bangladesh can understand how adaptive regulation can foster sustainable growth while addressing the challenges of rapid technological expansion.

Firstly, adaptive regulation is essential in agriculture, a critical sector for Bangladesh’s economy and food security. Innovations like genetically modified (GM) crops offer valuable solutions to pest control and crop resilience. A prominent example is Bt brinjal, a GM eggplant that resists pests without extensive pesticide use.

However, GM crops carry risks, including potential environmental impacts on biodiversity and economic disadvantages for small farmers who may not adopt these varieties. An adaptive regulatory approach would allow Bangladesh to monitor these risks while leveraging the benefits of GM technology. For instance, annual environmental assessments could evaluate the impact of Bt brinjal on local biodiversity, crop yield, and pest resistance. Policies could then be adjusted based on data, introducing measures like buffer zones or crop rotation practices if unintended consequences arise. By partnering with neighboring countries like India and the Philippines, which face similar regulatory challenges with GM crops, Bangladesh can share data and best practices to create a regional approach to biotechnology management. This cooperation aligns with the IR principle of “cooperation under anarchy,” where states collaborate without a centralized authority to tackle shared issues. By building partnerships in the region, Bangladesh can strengthen its adaptive regulatory approach with collective knowledge and experience.

Secondly, the adaptive regulation of pharmaceuticals could benefit Bangladesh’s rapidly growing pharmaceutical industry. Bangladesh is known for its production of generic drugs, exporting to over 150 countries. However, the industry is moving toward advanced treatments, such as biotechnology-based medicines and gene therapies, which present new regulatory challenges. Traditional regulatory processes often involve long approval times, delaying access to essential drugs for critical illnesses. An adaptive regulatory framework could introduce “conditional approvals” for drugs targeting urgent health needs, allowing them faster access to the market with continuous monitoring. For example, certain treatments for cancer could be fast-tracked under adaptive regulation, requiring post-market studies to track patient outcomes over time. If unexpected side effects emerge, regulators would have the flexibility to adjust guidelines or remove the drug. By collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) and learning from countries with adaptive frameworks, such as the European Union, Bangladesh can incorporate global best practices into its policies. These partnerships ensure that pharmaceutical regulation supports innovation while prioritizing patient safety and aligns with international standards, positioning Bangladesh as a competitive and responsible player in the global pharmaceutical market.

Thirdly, adaptive regulation is essential in Bangladesh’s digital sector, where issues of data privacy and cybersecurity are growing concerns. With the rise of mobile banking and digital services, Bangladesh has seen rapid digitalization. However, this growth also introduces risks, such as data breaches and unauthorized data collection, which can undermine public trust and stall digital progress. Rigid regulatory approaches quickly become outdated as cyber threats evolve, making it difficult to secure data effectively. An adaptive framework for digital technology would involve regular updates to data privacy and cybersecurity standards, responding to new vulnerabilities. For instance, annual cybersecurity audits could ensure that digital platforms meet evolving security requirements, allowing regulators to enforce new protocols as needed. In addition, Bangladesh could collaborate with regional partners within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to address cross-border digital threats. This cooperative approach reflects the professor’s theory of “externalities management,” addressing risks that affect not only one country but the region as a whole. By building a collective response, Bangladesh can create a safer and more resilient digital ecosystem, strengthening both national and regional digital infrastructure.

Additionally, adaptive regulation can be instrumental in managing synthetic biology, an emerging field with transformative potential in healthcare and environmental science. Synthetic biology, which enables the engineering of new organisms, could offer Bangladesh solutions for pollution, bioengineered crops, and innovative medical treatments. However, these innovations also present ethical and safety challenges. An adaptive approach to synthetic biology regulation would allow Bangladesh to start cautiously with controlled pilot projects, such as testing engineered bacteria for environmental cleanup. By closely monitoring these projects and gathering data on environmental impact, Bangladesh’s regulatory bodies can make informed decisions about broader applications of synthetic biology. If the data reveals positive outcomes without significant risks, regulations could gradually allow wider uses, such as bioengineered organisms in agriculture. By participating in global forums like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and learning from countries experienced in synthetic biology, Bangladesh can create a regulatory framework that aligns with international standards while safeguarding its unique environment.

In conclusion, as Bangladesh seeks to position itself as a leader in technology and development, adopting adaptive regulation across key sectors—agriculture, pharmaceuticals, digital technology, and synthetic biology—is essential. Adaptive regulation provides the flexibility needed to keep up with fast-evolving technologies while ensuring public safety, economic stability, and environmental protection. Through international cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven approaches, Bangladesh can create a regulatory environment that supports sustainable growth and positions it as a forward-thinking leader in responsible technology policy. By building on international expertise and working with neighboring countries, Bangladesh can set a new standard for adaptive regulation in South Asia, achieving a balance between innovation and protection. This approach ensures that technological advancements contribute positively to the nation’s development, making Bangladesh a resilient and responsible force in the global landscape.

The writer is a, seasoned feature article writer, contributing engaging insights to both national and international news platforms.