B Mirror Report:  Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has identified the slow functioning of government agencies as the biggest obstacle to investment in Bangladesh, stressing the need for a more efficient and dynamic bureaucracy.

He made the remarks while speaking to reporters on Wednesday after a dialogue organised by US-based research organisation Compass in the capital’s Banani area.

The minister said delays in administrative processes often discourage investors, creating a negative impact on the country’s overall investment climate.

To address the issue, he emphasised the importance of making public institutions more responsive and efficient in order to build a business-friendly environment.

Fakhrul also noted that although some political uncertainty remains following the elections, the situation has improved significantly, and the government aims to maintain stability to support economic activities.

He highlighted the Rohingya crisis as an ongoing challenge, adding that dialogue efforts are underway to find a sustainable solution.

On the energy front, the minister acknowledged existing challenges and said the government is taking steps to address them, including initiating tenders within the next three months to boost gas exploration.

He also underscored the importance of strengthening security in the Bay of Bengal and maintaining strong relations with neighbouring countries to ensure regional stability.