United News of Bangladesh

A high-level delegation led by Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), has left for China to promote and facilitate foreign direct investment. The delegation includes senior officials from BIDA, BEZA and representatives from the banking sector  including HSBC, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, and Citi NA. BIDA presents final recommendations of National Semiconductor Task Force to CA “We are pleased to have received considerable interest in our visit. We look forward to engaging with Chinese companies and providing them with the information and support they need to invest in Bangladesh,” said Ashik Chowdhury ahead of the trip.  The delegation will hold a series of engagements in Shanghai and Guangzhou from 20 to 26 July. A key highlight of the visit will be a business seminar in Shanghai on 21 July jointly organised by BIDA and the Embassy of Bangladesh in China with participation expected from over 100 Chinese investors and companies in sectors such as electronics, textiles, agribusiness, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Monday sought an apparel ministry, easing loan classification and bond audit policy to expand apparel export to US $100 billion goal. Top leaders of the apparel sector are actively seeking government support to resolve the pressing challenges facing the pivotal apparel sector and to pave a way for its continued expansion. The BGMEA placed the demand to the government during a meeting with Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of both the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), held at the BIDA office. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan led the apparel sector at the meeting. During the meeting, the BGMEA President highlighted the substantial hurdles currently affecting the industry. “Global geopolitical instability, retaliatory tariffs imposed by the United States, cancellation of trans-shipment by India, high bank interest rates, and frequent increases in gas and electricity prices have created major challenges for the apparel industry,” he said. Khan emphasised the critical need for BIDA's cooperation to overcome these challenges and ensure the industry's expansion. Won't take any decision that might be conflicting with national interests: Bida Chief The BGMEA delegation, which included Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Vice President Barrister Vidia Amrit Khan, and Director Samiha Azim. From BIDA and BEZA, Executive Member (Investment Ecosystem) Md Mokhlesur Rahman (Additional Secretary) and BEZA Executive Member Saleh Ahmed (Additional Secretary) were also present at the meeting. BGMEA’s Proposals BGMEA placed a series of proposals before the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), aiming to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the country’s apparel industry. At the heart of the proposals is the plan to establish an integrated garment industrial zone in Chattogram. The BGMEA President called for the consolidation of scattered small and medium-sized factories into a designated industrial area. To facilitate this, he urged BIDA and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) to allocate a plot of land to BGMEA at a symbolic price. Stressing the importance of environmentally responsible production, the association called for a clear roadmap along with technological and financial assistance to encourage the installation of solar panels in factories. The issue of financial policy and regulatory burden also came under focus. BGMEA leaders requested Bangladesh Bank to extend the current loan classification grace period from three to six months, citing difficulties faced by entrepreneurs in repaying installments during financial crises. They also described the bond audit process as burdensome and obstructive to export operations. To streamline and ensure transparency, BGMEA proposed outsourcing bond audits to 20 designated institutions. Another significant proposal was the formation of a dedicated Ministry of Textiles and Apparel, separating the industry from the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Commerce. Top global port operators tapped to boost Bangladesh’s infrastructure: BIDA chief BGMEA argued that such a move would ensure focused policy support and sectoral growth. In response, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun acknowledged the critical role of the apparel sector in the national economy, and assured that BIDA would continue to extend all necessary support and work closely with the private sector to drive further development in the industry.  

Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin on Tuesday assured the political parties that the government would not take any decision that might be conflicting with national interests. "We will certainly not take any decision that might be conflicting with the national interests," he said while exchanging views with the leaders of some political parties on the investment climate.  Top global port operators tapped to boost Bangladesh’s infrastructure: BIDA chief The political parties at the meeting called for giving top priority to protecting the country's sovereignty, regional security and national interests. 'We want to assure you that no decision will be taken outside the national interest.” He expressed the hope that such positive discussions with political parties will continue on a regular basis. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) organised the event at its office seeking suggestions from the country's political parties on policy continuity, ongoing reform activities and its recent progress to ensure a sustainable investment environment in Bangladesh.  BIDA: Port connectivity must to make Bangladesh a ‘regional production powerhouse’ Representatives from 16 political parties -- Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Jatiya Nagorik Party, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), Gana Songhati Andolan, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Amar Bangladesh Party, Nagorik Oikya, Bangladesh Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Bangladesh Communist Party, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Bangladesh Islami Front, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Bangladesh Khelafat Andolan, Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal, Islamic Front Bangladesh -- participated in the meeting, according to the Chief Adviser's press wing. Ashik Chowdhury said investment and employment are the national interests of Bangladesh and it is above party or political interests. Noting that Bida is continuously working to create a congenial environment for investment in Bangladesh, he said there are various crises in the field of investment in our country. Bida Head of Business Development Nahian Rahman Rachi gave a presentation on Bida’s activities at the meeting. He briefly discussed the Reform Plan and Progress Report and the response to the Investment Conference and the next steps. He said based on discussions with more than 200 local investors and stakeholders, Bida has identified five problems for investment in Bangladesh. These are Quality of Government Services, Policy Continuity, Industry Consultation, Eliminating Corruption and Access to Resources. The political parties were informed about the steps Bida has already taken to resolve these problems and what steps it plans to take in the long term and their opinions were sought. They praised the Bida reform plan and progress and expressed their full support for Bida's activities in creating an investment environment in the country. The political parties urged the Bida authorities to give special importance to domestic investors as well as foreign investors. Besides, the political parties suggested that the Bida authorities discuss with the relevant ministries and departments to develop skilled workers in the country, develop infrastructure, remove legal complications, protect the interests of workers and make environmentally friendly investments. The Bida Executive Chairman said in their next presentation, the reform plan will be presented separately on local investors.  No more bureaucratic hassles for foreign investment: BIDA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday directed the persons concerned to quickly settle discussions with potential foreign investors to increase the capacity of Chattogram port with world-class services in an effort to make the country an investment hub. "We’ll have to involve such operators in port management so that our ports can gain the ability to compete in the international market. We must make our ports world-class to implement the investment hub that we are talking about,” he said. The Chief Adviser made the directives at a high-level meeting with officials of the Ministry of Shipping, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), Chittagong Port Authority and other relevant departments at the State Guest House Jamuna. The Chief Adviser urged all the concerned departments to complete the work by August through proper coordination. BIDA and BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun informed the meeting that the current handling capacity of Bangladesh's seaports is 1.37 million units per year, which can be increased to 7.86 million units in the next five years through proper planning and action. He said that the currently operational New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) of Chattogram Port is capable of handling 1.27 million units per year and Mongla Port is capable of handling 0.1 million units. Their capacities can be increased to 1.5 million and 0.63 million respectively. BIDA, police assure top foreign investors of full safety, security Ashik said once the construction of Patenga Container Terminal, Laldia Container Terminal, Bay Terminal and Matarbari Deep Sea Port is completed, Bangladesh will have a handling capacity of more than five million units. He informed the Chief Adviser about the overall progress in the speedy completion of the Laldia Port work for foreign investment. Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M. Sakhawat Hossain, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping Mohammad Yusuf, Secretary to the Chief Advisor's Office Md. Mahmudul Hossain Khan, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Private Partnership Authority (PPPA) Muhammad Rafiqul Islam and Chairman of the Chittagong Port Authority Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman, among others, were present.

Bangladesh police on Monday announced that it would offer foreign investors direct access to its dedicated emergency contact line, enabling companies to report any incidents and receive immediate support. The announcement came from the office of the Inspector General of Police, the national police chief, when the IGP, Baharul Alam, and the executive chairman of BIDA, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, held a meeting with officials of six foreign companies whose establishments were vandalised during recent protests over Gaza attacks. The meeting, which was co-chaired by BIDA Executive Chairman and the Inspector General of Police, brought together executives from major companies, including Nestle Bangladesh, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages, Unilever Bangladesh, Bata Shoe Co. Bangladesh, Reckitt Benckiser Bangladesh, Pepsico, and Jubilant Food Works Bangladesh. DMP’s Tejgaon Division returns 251 lost, stolen mobile phones to owners Referring to the vandalism occurred on April 7-8 in several cities of the country, police said they have arrested at least 140 people over the attacks. Nearly a dozen cases were also filed over the incidents. “The presence of the IGP, senior police officials, and our BIDA team under one roof with business leaders was not only timely but unprecedented,” said Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of BIDA. “This wasn’t just a gesture—it was a statement. It shows that Bangladesh is serious about standing by its investors, especially when challenges arise,” he said. “The companies we sat with directly support the livelihood of thousands of employees and their families. We respect the right to protest, but destroying the institutions that provide jobs, stability, and growth is not the answer," he added. The BIDA chief also commended the police for "their swift support and their commitment to decisive action against those responsible for the violence.” Participating companies shared first-hand accounts of vandalism, losses, and operational breakdowns. In response, the IGP’s office has announced that it would offer dedicated emergency contact line access to affected businesses. Senior police officers said the emergency contact line would enable the companies "to report incidents and receive immediate support." IGP Baharul Alam assured business leaders of full cooperation from the country's law enforcement agencies. “We are not here just to respond. We are here to build confidence and ensure that these disruptions do not repeat,” he said. The engagement resulted in a set of jointly developed preventive action plans, including new security protocols, rapid response units, and enhanced crisis communication channels. These measures, co-created by the BIDA, the police, and business associations, aim to foster long-term trust and resilience in Bangladesh’s investment ecosystem. “This dialogue isn’t about reaction—it’s about prevention,” added BIDA Executive Chairman. DMP identifies DU arsonist, arrest expected before Pahela Baishakh procession “And more importantly, it reflects the government’s promise: to walk with our investors, not just during booms, but also during turbulence,” said Ashik Chowdhury. Corporate representatives thanked both the BIDA and the Bangladesh Police for their responsiveness and expressed renewed confidence in continuing their operations and future expansion plans in Bangladesh. This initiative is part of BIDA’s broader mission to ensure Bangladesh remains a safe, sustainable, and investor-friendly destination aligned with the priorities of the Interim Government.

Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun on Sunday said the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 helped the country receive initial investment proposals worth Tk 3,100 crore, stressing that time will say whether the Summit was successful or not. “The idea is to build the pipeline and to change the narratives about Bangladesh. That is what we tried to push,” Ashik told reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, adding that the investors who joined the Summit were very happy and they returned home with required information. Foreign investors eye consumer market, textiles, pharma, light engineering, renewable energy: BIDA Chairman He said several additional investment proposals are currently in the pipeline. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder were, among others, present.  The BIDA Executive Chairman said they wanted to give the investors the right experience so that they talk about Bangladesh positively.  “We should do such summits regularly, at least once in a year. We would definitely say, clearly there were lots of interests,” he said. Ashik said similar events will help create positive interest and momentum among the investors and hoped that the next government will continue this. bKash wins BIDA’s ‘Excellence in Investment Award 2025’ Bangladesh hosted the global investors and top executives through the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 from April 7-10, aiming to spotlight the country’s evolving investment landscape, poised for transformative opportunities and unprecedented growth. Global investment leaders, executives and industry pioneers engaged in discussion as Bangladesh redefines the future of investment in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Foreign investors express keen interest in Bangladesh: BIDA There were 710 participants at the Summit including over 415 foreigners from 50 countries. Around Tk 5 crore was spent to organise the four-day Summit, of which around Tk 1.5 crore came from the government and the remaining Tk 3.5 crore from partner organisations. The BIDA Executive Chairman said the big political parties and their leaderships were completely aligned with the Summit.

The government is working to create startup funds from budget allocation to encourage youth in entrepreneurship. Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Ashik Chowdhury said this at a press briefing on Monday evening. He briefed reporters about the day's session of Bangladesh Startup Connect, an event being held at Hotel InterContinental as a flagship programme under the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 that opened on Monday. BIDA Chairman, CCECC President discuss potential 2nd Chinese economic zone in Mongla He said that Bangladesh Bank will release Tk800 crore from different banks’ startup funds. The central bank will also release another special fund of Tk500 crore to boost the startup sector. Besides, Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd will arrange a fund of US$ $1.0 million for the startup sector of Bangladesh, which was announced on the first day of Bangladesh Startup Connect, said BIDA chairman. Doing business will be easier for investors in Bangladesh: BIDA chief He said the interim government has emphasised youth employment and entrepreneurs’ development. As part of this, the government is working with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the allocation funds under budgetary support to boost the startup economy. The BIDA chairman said that over 70 representatives of 25 countries arrived in Bangladesh on the occasion of the investment summit. Over 1500 startups participated in the event. Chief Adviser’s press secretary Shafiqul Alam, and Shish Haider Chowdhury, ndc, Secretary, ICT Division and Chairman, Startup Bangladesh Limited were present at the press briefing.  

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun met China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) President Chen Sichang on the sidelines of the Bo'ao Forum for Asia Annual Conference in Hainan, China, on Thursday. During the meeting, they discussed a potential second Chinese economic zone in the Mongla area, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Strategic location, human resources can transform Bangladesh into manufacturing hub: Dr Yunus They also discussed potential collaboration to employ Bangladeshi workers across the globe in CCECC-run projects.

Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun on Sunday said Bangladesh wants to give a "genuine view" of Bangladesh to the global investors, telling true stories of investment opportunities that Bangladesh offers. "It's very difficult to give investors a genuine view and tell the true stories until we bring them physically. We want to give the investors a real picture through the Bangladesh Investment Summit," he said while briefing reporters at the Foreign Service Academy. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, among others, were present. Referring to remote research made by investors, Chowdhury Ashik said what the investors know about Bangladesh remotely without their physical presence is not the right picture of the country as the ground reality is different. Responding to a question, the BIDA Executive Chairman said the investors are coming to Bangladesh keeping in mind the "short-term disruption". Dr Yunus' China visit to be very productive, successful with some announcements Organised by BIDA, the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 — is set to take place in Dhaka from April 7-10. The BIDA Executive Chairman said 550 global participants from around 50 countries will participate in the Investment Summit. Delegations from China, the UK, the US, Singapore, South Korea and India are among the global participants. Chowdhury Ashik said they want to give a picture to the global investors that it is a different environment and the long-term view is still very positive. He said there will be dedicated rooms for three political parties- BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and National Citizen Party - so that the investors can get a view on the political front. Chowdhury Ashik said there will be more rooms for having bilateral meetings. On April 7, the investors will visit the Korean Export Processing Zone and Mirsarai Economic Zone in Chattogram. "A 26-member delegation is coming from South Korea. We see this as a very positive outcome," Chowdhury Ashik said. On April 8, the foreign participants will visit the Japanese Economic Zone at Araihazar. The main event will be held at a city hotel on April 9 where Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will join.  "It's a collective effort. Private sectors and embassies (foreign missions in Dhaka) are equally involved," said the BIDA Executive Chairman. "We will have more focus on bilateral meetings," he added. Palestinian Ambassador Yousef Ramadan meets Army chief  Chowdhury Ashik said there will be a corner for signing MoUs and agreements keeping eyes on future investment. There will be a cultural segment to present Bangladesh before the foreigners showcasing its rich cultural heritage. The BIDA Executive Chairman also said April 9 will be a demo day for using Starlink. Several high-profile business leaders will be attending, including Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Zara Group; Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World; Rosy Winterton, Baroness and UK trade representative; Kyeongsu Lee, VP of Samsung C&T; JunSeok Han, CEO of Giordano; Steven Kobos, CEO of Excelerate Energy; Mike Orgill, Head of Public Policy for Uber Asia Pacific; and Sarim Aziz, Director of Public Policy at Meta. The summit will also feature participation from venture capital firms such as B Capital, Gobi, Conjunction, Marubeni, and GFR, focusing on startup investments and digital economy expansion. On April 10, multiple breakout sessions will cover key investment sectors such as digital economy (led by Citi NA & UNDP), textiles (HSBC & BGMEA), agriculture and agro-processing (Dutch Embassy & LCP), and healthcare (Inspira, EBL & Sajida Foundation). The day will also feature a matchmaking session and a roundtable discussion on global investment best practices. The summit will include designated meeting rooms for investor discussions, with delegation rooms in the boardroom, lounge, and conference halls such as Modhumati and Turag, as well as networking spaces on the second floor of Hotel InterContinental. Bangladesh, Mexico see excellent opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation Key partners for the event include UNDP, FCDO, Grameenphone, the World Bank, and FICCI, highlighting the collaborative efforts to drive foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bangladesh. Speaking at the press briefing, Ashik emphasised the summit’s role in positioning Bangladesh as a global investment destination. “Foreign investors need a clearer understanding of Bangladesh’s economic landscape and growth potential. This summit will not only showcase investment opportunities but also highlight the significant reforms undertaken to create a more business-friendly environment,” he stated. The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 is set to be a milestone event, reinforcing the country’s commitment to economic progress, investment-friendly policies, and long-term growth, he said. The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, hosted by the government of Bangladesh, showcases a new investment climate in Bangladesh - set for transformative investments and unmatched growth. Global investment leaders, executives and industry pioneers will engage in discussion as Bangladesh redefines the future of investment in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. Organised by BIDA, the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 introduces the Excellence in Investment Award, a hallmark initiative celebrating investors shaping Bangladesh’s economic future. This honor recognises enterprises for their transformative contributions in areas such as investment scale, environmental stewardship, regulatory adherence and employment generation. Ahead of the Bangladesh Investment Summit, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has invited Bangladesh's friends, partners and global leaders to explore the extraordinary investment opportunities that Bangladesh has to offer. Dr Yunus to join BIMSTEC Young Gen Forum as keynote speaker "There has never been a better moment to explore the extraordinary investment opportunities in Bangladesh," he said, as the government is set to host the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 next month. Dr Yunus said Bangladesh has undergone profound transformations with a forward-thinking investment climate. "We are committed to ensuring a level playing field for all our investors," said the Chief Adviser in a message to global investors. Dr Yunus said the Summit is a gateway for investors to have more data driven insights. "Come and witness the potential that Bangladesh holds for you. And join us in shaping the future of investment in one of the world's most dynamic economies." The Chief Adviser said he is looking forward to welcoming the global partners and investors in new Bangladesh.

Referring to Bangladesh's agreement with Argent LNG, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun has said signing a non-binding HOA (Heads of Agreement) that outlines key terms but leaves room for negotiation is the first step in a process. "The path to a comprehensive, binding contract will follow laws of Bangladesh including the Public Procurement Act, 2006, the Public Procurement Rules, 2008 and the Foreign Private Investment (Promotion and Protection) Act, 1980," Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Chairman Ashik said in a statement on Sunday. Chief Adviser's press wing shared the statement. Read: BIDA launches FDI Heatmap to attract targeted investment in key sectors Quoting a company statement, Reuters earlier on Friday reported that Argent LNG, which is developing a 25 million metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) LNG facility in Louisiana, has signed a non-binding agreement with the government of Bangladesh to purchase up to 5 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually. This is the first major U.S. LNG supply deal since President Donald Trump took office on Monday, and according to the parties, reflects industry confidence in the new administration's pro-energy policies, the report reads.