88. On the agenda items 4, 5, and 6, the position of Bangladesh has not changed. We reiterate our position for the sake of record.
89. On the agenda item 4, on the issue of the review of the provisions of TRIPS Article 27.3 (b), Bangladesh does not support the patenting of life forms comprising plants and animals. We call for a review of this Article in order to protect developing countries and LDCs from the negative effects of this provision on the key sectors that affect their livelihood such as agriculture, health, food, and climate change. This would help ensure, inter alia, food security and preserve the integrity of rural and local communities. Patenting of life forms at a multilateral level should be prohibited.
90. On the relationship between the TRIPS Agreement and the CBD, Bangladesh holds that Members have the right and duty to protect their traditional knowledge and genetic resources. There is, therefore, a need to amend the TRIPS Agreement with a view to requiring applicants of patent relating to biological materials to provide information on the source and country of origin of biological resources and traditional knowledge used in the invention.
91. In addition, applicants must show evidence of prior informed consent from, and benefit sharing arrangements with, the authorities and/or persons under the relevant national regime. This disclosure requirement, which is consistent with the transparency principle established in the multilateral trading system, will help reduce the number of erroneous patents and biopiracy.
92. Bangladesh believes that traditional knowledge should receive legal recognition as its protection could as well contribute significantly to the achievement of the sustainable development goals.