According to the World Health Organization, Unani, homeopathy, and herbal remedies are still used by 80% of people in some Asian and African countries.
About 75% to 80% of the rural people in Bangladesh receive Unani and homeopathic treatment, reads a press release.
In Europe, between 35 and 45% of people believe in herbal products.
The speakers presented the information at the first meeting of the FBCCI's Standing Committee on Export and Development of Herbal, Unani Medicine, and Natural Products held at the FBCCI office on Wednesday.
They said that the industry is shrinking despite making significant contributions to the country's healthcare system.
Entrepreneurs demanded the formation of a separate cell in the drug administration for the development of this industry.
According to them, the global market for herbal and Unani products is worth $141 billion and is growing at a 10% annual rate.
But despite the huge demand, it is not possible to export herbal and Unani products due to legal complications.
According to the committee members, these products are considered dietary supplements or food supplements all over the world.
But it is becoming difficult to export these products as they are considered drugs in Bangladesh.
The members of the committee claimed that it would be easier to solve these problems if a separate cell were formed in the Drug Administration.
The meeting disclosed that 90% of raw materials for Unani and herbal products have to be imported.
Therefore, the meeting recommended the establishment of herbal gardens in fallow lands or economic zones as a public or public-private joint venture.
The speakers said that the massive cultivation of medicinal plants would reduce import dependence and also bring export opportunities.
Entrepreneurs also demanded the inclusion of Unani and herbal medicine in the medical college’s curriculum.
At the meeting, FBCCI Senior Vice President Mostofa Azad Chowdhury Babu was present as the Chief Guest.
He said: “The FBCCI is keen to develop this industry.”
Hence, he urged the committee to make a recommendation on the potential of the industry and possible solutions to the problems, which the FBCCI would discuss with the concerned government agencies.
Md Rezaul Islam Milon, director in charge of the committee and director of FBCCI, proposed organizing a 7-day fair in every district of the country to promote Unani and herbal products.
“This fair would increase people's confidence in these products,” he added.
Raquib Mohammad Fakhrul, chairman of the committee, said: "A sub-committee would be formed to work out a strategy for the development of the Unani industry."
Former Deputy Minister and Chairman of Munshi Group, AFM Fakhrul Islam Munshi, was also present at the meeting.
He said: “There are separate ministries in different countries for the Unani industry. Bangladesh should follow the same initiative.”
Also present at the meeting was FBCCI Secretary-General Mohammad Mahfuzul Haque.