Feature

Biotechnology students visit Square Pharmaceuticals plant

Nayeema Nushrat

AS a part of our curriculum, every semester, the BRAC University (BRACU) students of Biotechnology Program have study tours in various research and development institutes. Recently, we visited the Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Kaliakoir plant for a study tour. Our team was led by Dr. Aparna Islam (Assistant Professor, Biotechnology Programme), and three other faculty members, Iftekhar M S Kalam, Adeeba Raihan and Mr Mustak Ibn Ayub.

After a two hour long journey in a cozy air conditioned bus provided by the host, the team reached Square manufacturing plant at Kaliakor, Gazipur which took away our breath with the sight of the magnificent architectural beauty of the buildings surrounded by beautifully manicured green lawns. Upon reaching the venue the team was greeted warmly by Md. Nawabur Rahman, Deputy General Manager, Production Operations of the Dhaka Unit of Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. He made a short visual presentation on the history and achievements of the company. He also informed the team that this plant had been constructed as per the requirement of international GMP standards like EMEA, UK MHRA and US FDA. Then he introduced us to the higher executive officers who greeted us cordially and guided us throughout the facilities. The elaborate guided tour of the facilities included the warehouse (raw materials and products stored for quarantine and distribution), dispensing of the raw materials and capsules, ETP, Quality control, Microbiological Laboratory, Product development, Ophthalmic, Cephalosporin and Insulin manufacturing units. All units are individually situated and well equipped and maintained. As it is a plant for drug manufacturing, they maintain all regulations and we also had to go through many stages of disinfection to prevent contamination. The Cephalosporin unit (tablets, capsules, dry syrup and injectable preparations) has its own plant and a separate QC lab.

The tour ended with a delicious meal and a bag of souvenirs. On returning back a pleasant feeling prevailed knowing that there is Bangladeshi pharmaceutical company that serves the nation with their best interests at heart. Furthermore, the team felt proud to see that we have world class facilities within Bangladesh in manufacturing international standard medicines. As I have done B.Pharm in my undergrad, the trip was really informative and was a great experience.