BM Desk : During the initial eight months of 2025, several investment development agencies in Bangladesh obtained investment proposals totaling nearly $1.85 billion from domestic and international entrepreneurs. Approximately 3,500 firms put forward these proposals, and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is currently engaged in transforming them into real investments.
In addition to BIDA, various agencies like the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) also obtained a considerable number of investment proposals.
Nahian Rahman Rochi, the leader of BIDA’s Business Development Division, stated that approximately $650 million of the total proposed investment was sourced from foreign firms, with the remainder coming from domestic entrepreneurs.
He stated, “BIDA alone garnered investment proposals totaling approximately $1 billion, whereas BEPZA attracted $500 million.”
An analysis of the proposals reveals the highest interest in advanced technical textiles, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing sectors. Additionally, there were proposals for investment in IT, medical devices, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API).
In terms of country-wise interest, China topped the list, accounting for about 20% of the total proposals. Other leading countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea.
Rochi noted that BIDA and other agencies are working in phases to implement th proposed investments. He said, “We are in regular contact with investors and are resolving obstacles quickly. At the same time, we are prioritizing issues faced by existing investors—because without their satisfaction, new investments won’t come.”
BIDA has already initiated internal reforms. To ease the work permit process for foreign professionals and consolidate services and information from all investment development agencies, the ‘BanglaBiz’ platform has been launched.
Additionally, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) has partially launched the ‘Bangladesh Single Window’ system, which is accelerating the investment approval process.
Rochi added, “The biggest demand from investors is reliable gas and electricity supply. We’re actively working on this, and significant progress is expected by early next year as a result of the government’s long-term plans.”
Furthermore, the government is working to expand free trade zones and has taken steps to offer temporary duty-free bond facilities against bank guarantees for partial exporters. This aims to diversify export earnings.
Analysts believe that if investment-friendly reforms, technological advancements, and government incentives continue, a substantial portion of these proposed investments could materialize within the next one to two years. This is expected to boost Bangladesh’s industrial and employment sectors significantly.
