A K Md. Ashrafuzzaman Appointed as New Managing Director at EDCL

Dhaka, 21 May 2026

Through a gazette notification issued by the Contracts and Foreign Recruitment Branch of the Ministry of Public Administration of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, a new appointment has been made to the position of Managing Director of Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL).

The notification stated that the appointment has been made under the authority of the government in accordance with the Articles of Association of the company under the Companies Act, 1994. Simultaneously, the previously assigned official has been relieved of his duties following the issuance of the new notification.

Renowned biochemist A K Md. Ashrafuzzaman has assumed responsibility as the newly appointed Managing Director. He possesses extensive administrative and professional experience and has made significant contributions to the health sector over the years.

The appointment has been welcomed by relevant stakeholders, who expressed optimism that under his leadership, Essential Drugs Company Limited will become more dynamic and continue to play an effective role in the pharmaceutical sector.

It is worth mentioning that Essential Drugs Company Limited is a 100% state-owned pharmaceutical company of Bangladesh. In 1962, it operated under the central government as the Government Pharmaceuticals Laboratory (GPL), and in 1979 its name was changed to Pharmaceuticals Production Unit (PPU). Later, in the interest of public health and effective institutional management, it was registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 1994.

The company operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh. Established in 1983, its primary objective was to develop an advanced pharmaceutical industry in the country, locally manufacture medicines, and ensure the supply and export of these medicines for public health purposes.

Over the years, EDCL has established a strong position in Bangladesh’s public pharmaceutical sector and has developed a solid platform to sustain growth and serve export markets effectively.