B Mirror Report: In a move aimed at further simplifying and speeding up investment-related services, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) today signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 11 service-providing institutions to connect them with its online One Stop Service (OSS) portal.
The MoU signing ceremony took place at BIDA’s conference room in Agargaon, according to a press release. BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun attended the programme as the chief guest, while Executive Member Air Commodore (retd) Md. Shaharul Huda presided over the event.
Under the agreements, four banks and seven city corporations will integrate their systems with BIDA’s OSS platform. The banks are Rupali Bank PLC, Dhaka Bank PLC, Bank Asia PLC and Bengal Commercial Bank PLC. The participating city corporations include Rajshahi, Khulna, Mymensingh, Barishal, Cumilla, Gazipur and Narayanganj.
Following the integration, investors will be able to obtain key services—such as bank account opening, trade licence issuance and other financial and municipal services—online in a more efficient, transparent and hassle-free manner.
Speaking at the event, Ashik Chowdhury said BIDA’s goal is to develop a unified digital system where all entrepreneurs, from small businesses to large industries, can receive required government services through a single website using one login. He noted that eliminating repetitive submission of the same information to multiple offices is essential for improving the investment climate.
He added that countries successful in attracting investment have ensured seamless data sharing among government agencies, maintaining data accuracy and integrity. Although achieving full digital integration is a gradual process, he said Bangladesh is progressing with firm commitment.
Highlighting the importance of proper implementation, Ashik Chowdhury said launching digital systems alone is not sufficient. Continuous monitoring, identifying investor challenges and improving services based on feedback are equally important. He also congratulated the newly added institutions and thanked BIDA officials for their efforts in advancing the OSS initiative.
BIDA launched the online One Stop Service portal in February 2019 in line with the One Stop Service Act, 2018 and related rules, with the aim of delivering all major investment services from a single platform.
With the inclusion of the 11 institutions signed on Monday, BIDA has now signed MoUs with a total of 52 organisations. At present, 142 services from 47 agencies are being offered through the OSS portal. So far, more than 215,000 applications have been processed, and additional institutions are expected to be integrated in the future.
At the ceremony, BIDA Director General Jibon Krishna Saha Roy presented an overview of OSS activities, while Deputy Director Abu Mohammad Nurul Hayat Totul moderated the programme.
