In his remarks, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman, BIDA, underscored, “As the country prepares for LDC graduation and works toward Vision 2041, attracting sustainable and quality investment will be central to economic transformation, diversification, technology transfer, and employment generation.” He emphasized the role of coordinated reforms and effective institutions in attracting investment aligned with national priorities.

Sonali Dayaratne, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh, highlighted, “Coherent investment policies and strong institutional capacity are essential for attracting impactful investment that creates decent jobs, supports innovation and promotes inclusive and sustainable growth, particularly as Bangladesh prepares for LDC graduation.”

The 2026 IPR Implementation Report, prepared by UNCTAD at the request of BIDA, assesses the progress made against the recommendations of the 2013 Investment Policy Review. Key achievements noted include the establishment of BIDA as the lead facilitation agency and the expansion of digital investment services. The report also outlines priority reforms needed to modernize Bangladesh’s investment framework, including the adoption of a unified national investment policy, a consolidated investment law, and the completion of digital procedures to enhance competitiveness in preparation for LDC graduation.

The official launch featured a video message from Nan Li Collins, Director of Investment and Enterprise at UNCTAD, followed by a keynote presentation by Kiyoshi Adachi, Legal Officer (Investment and Enterprise) at UNCTAD. A high-level panel discussion, moderated by Owais Parray, Country Economic Advisor at UNDP Bangladesh, explored practical pathways for implementing the report’s recommendations.

Dr. M Masrur Reaz, Chairman, Policy Exchange Bangladesh, Md. Ariful Hoque, Former Director General, BIDA, Ferdaus Ara Begum, CEO, BUILD, Md. Hafizur Rahman, Trade Policy & Facilitation Expert also spoke at the event chaired by Md. Humayun Kabir, Executive Member of BIDA.

The dialogue was convened under the Transformative Economic Policy Programme (TEPP), implemented by UNDP Bangladesh with support from the UK Government. Through TEPP, UNDP provides policy advisory and capacity development support to strengthen economic governance and facilitate evidence-informed reforms. The launch marks a critical step in supporting Bangladesh’s efforts to attract quality investment that contributes to sustainable development and long-term economic resilience.

For Bangla Click Here