Economy
PM Sheikh Hasina Pledges to Transform Bangladesh into a Top Investment Destination
In a recent address during her visit to China, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina underscored the pivotal role China has played in bolstering Bangladesh’s infrastructure projects, technological advancements, and economic growth. Highlighting the resilience and progress of Bangladesh, she detailed the nation’s remarkable journey, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic.
Bangladesh stands out as one of the few economies that continued to thrive amid the global health crisis. The country is on track to graduate from the UN’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) list in 2026, showcasing its resilience and ability to surmount challenges. Over the past half-decade, Bangladesh has maintained a strategic economic growth average of 6.75%, expanding its economy from USD 102 billion in 2009 to over USD 460 billion in 2023. Just before the pandemic struck, the economy boasted a growth rate of 8.1%.
The Prime Minister highlighted key economic indicators, noting that Bangladesh’s per capita income has reached USD 2,784. The country’s export volume has surpassed the USD 50 billion mark, and it received a net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of USD 2.8 billion in 2022. Additionally, Bangladesh is among the top remittance-earning countries globally and ranks as the world’s 33rd largest economy. Projections suggest that by the first half of the 2030s, Bangladesh could ascend to become the 24th largest economy. The nation offers one of the most liberal investment regimes globally, facilitated by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), which provides comprehensive services to foreign investors under one roof. The government has also implemented significant reforms to create a more business-friendly environment, enhancing the ease of doing business and ensuring a secure and reputable investment landscape.
Prime Minister Hasina stated, “We aim to position Bangladesh as one of the most attractive destinations in the world.” To achieve sustainable economic growth, the government has formulated a logistics policy aimed at boosting domestic and international trade and investment through the construction of a world-class, technology-based, time and cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly logistics system. Significant investments are being made in both digital and physical infrastructure to transform Bangladesh into a comprehensive logistics hub with regional and international connectivity.
Among the megaprojects completed are the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, the Karnaphuli River Tunnel (Bangabandhu Tunnel), the Matarbari Deep Sea Port, the expanded third terminal at Dhaka International Airport, the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, and the Dhaka Metro Rail System. These projects are pivotal in strengthening the nation’s infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the nationwide coverage of electricity and internet access, highlighting the launch of Bangladesh’s first communication satellite, Bangabandhu-1, as a milestone in technological advancement. Additionally, Bangladesh boasts the world’s second-largest number of registered IT freelancers. The vision is to build a smart Bangladesh by 2041, encompassing a smart citizenry, smart government, smart economy, and smart society. Continuous upgrades to seaports, airports, and land routes are being made to meet international standards, ensuring efficient and seamless logistics.
One of Bangladesh’s greatest assets is its youthful and dynamic workforce, with a median age of around 27 years. This population is characterized by energy, dedication, sincerity, and strong work ethics. The nation’s youth are poised to actively participate in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
In her address to the Chinese business community, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina extended a warm invitation to invest in Bangladesh, highlighting the nation’s advantageous pool of skilled and semi-skilled labor, which is both cost-effective and highly capable.
“I encourage the Chinese business community to consider key sectors in Bangladesh. We welcome investments in our infrastructure, energy, renewable energy, and logistics sectors,” she stated. She emphasized opportunities in climate-resilient smart agriculture, agro-processing, and the establishment of a special tourism zone where China can invest in real estate and hospitality. The Prime Minister also urged Chinese investors to explore fruitful ventures in Bangladesh’s capital markets. The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) is actively enhancing the capital market to make it more attractive to foreign investors. Notable progress includes the development of a robust bond market and the introduction of derivatives products, which will diversify and expand financial markets. There are numerous opportunities in renewable energy, pest management, and green technologies. “Investors will find that Bangladesh is committed to ensuring profitable business operations,” she assured.
Bangladesh is eager to increase its exports to China, particularly in textiles, garments, leather goods, jute products, and agricultural items. The country welcomes Chinese investment in export-oriented industries to help diversify its export basket and reduce trade deficits. To enhance business cooperation, the Prime Minister encouraged Chinese companies to form joint ventures with Bangladeshi firms.
“The partnership between Bangladesh and China holds unbounded promise,” she declared. “Our shared vision for economic growth, technological advancement, and sustainable development forms the cornerstone of our bilateral relationship. Together, we can create a prosperous future that benefits both our countries and people.”
Prime Minister Hasina warmly invited the Chinese business community to visit Bangladesh, explore the abundant opportunities, and experience the warmth and hospitality of its people. “Let us work together to build a stronger, more prosperous, and more connected world,” she concluded.
Prime Minister Hasina’s visit to China, under the banner of “The Rise of Bengal Tiger: Summit on Trade, Business, and Investment Opportunities Between Bangladesh & China,” showcased Bangladesh’s immense potential to Chinese businesses, highlighting the synergistic opportunities for growth and collaboration between the two nations.
The event was attended by Salman Fazlur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s Private Industry and Investment Advisor; Abul Hasan Mahmud, the Finance Minister; Md. Atiqul Islam, the Mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation; Nasrul Hamid, the State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources; Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the State Minister for Post, Telecommunications, and Information Technology; Ahasanul Islam Titu, the State Minister for Commerce; Mohammad Tofazzal Hossain Miah, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister; ambassadors, various institutional and individual investors, and stakeholders.
Other notable speakers at the event included Lokman Hossain Miah, the Executive Chairman of BIDA; Yao Wen, the Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh; and investors, industrialists, and businesspeople from China and Bangladesh.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Bangladesh to maintain a tight monetary policy to contain inflation, while stressing that monetary tightening alone will not be enough to restore economic stability.
Inflation in Bangladesh rose to 8 per cent in September, according to the IMF. The Washington-based lender has called for broader reforms in the financial sector, stronger revenue mobilisation and improvements in overall economic management to address the country’s persistent economic challenges.
Sonali Jain-Chandra, deputy director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, made the remarks in response to a question at a news conference on the economic outlook for Asia and the Pacific, held on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Group annual meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
Asked whether tight monetary policy alone would be sufficient to tackle inflationary pressures that have persisted for more than three and a half years, Jain-Chandra said maintaining a restrictive monetary stance was important, but needed to be accompanied by other reforms.
Bangladesh is currently facing challenges in three key areas: revenue mobilisation, the financial sector and inflation, she said.
The IMF also expressed concern over the fragile state of Bangladesh’s financial sector, saying a credible reform strategy was needed to strengthen the sector’s capacity and ensure stability.
The fund also highlighted the country’s persistently weak revenue collection. Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio has declined over time and currently stands at around 7 per cent, placing it among the lowest in the world, according to the IMF.
The IMF stressed the need for a coordinated effort to increase revenue collection, saying higher government revenues were essential to finance development expenditure and strengthen the financial sector.
It called for necessary reforms to the revenue system and effective measures to improve the government’s capacity to generate income.
Talks Under Way on New IMF Programme
Meanwhile, discussions are continuing on a potential new lending programme for Bangladesh.
Jain-Chandra said Bangladeshi authorities approached the IMF in May for support under a new programme after deciding not to draw further instalments under the previous arrangement.
In response to the request, an IMF mission visited Dhaka in July to discuss various aspects of Bangladesh’s economic reform agenda.
According to Jain-Chandra, the reform issues discussed during the visit were closely aligned with the recommendations outlined in the IMF’s Article IV consultation for Bangladesh earlier this year.
The IMF has remained in regular contact with Bangladeshi authorities since the July visit, she said.
Jain-Chandra added that the fund remained closely engaged with the authorities and was ready to support Bangladesh in initiating the reforms needed to address its economic challenges.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Bangladesh’s gross domestic product (GDP) will grow by 3.2 per cent in the 2026-27 fiscal year, while average inflation could rise to 10.9 per cent, signalling mounting pressure on the country’s economy.
The projections were outlined in the IMF’s World Economic Outlook (WEO) report, released on Tuesday.
The latest growth forecast marks a significant downward revision from the 4.3 per cent projected by the IMF in April. The fund had subsequently forecast growth of 3.5 per cent in July before lowering its estimate further to 3.2 per cent.
The IMF has also sharply revised its inflation outlook for Bangladesh. In April, it projected average inflation of 6 per cent for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The latest estimate raises that figure to 10.9 per cent.
The combination of slower economic growth and persistently high inflation points to continued pressure on Bangladesh’s macroeconomic stability.
Bangladesh growth outlook trails other forecasts
The IMF’s latest growth projection for Bangladesh is lower than those of other major international development institutions.
The World Bank has forecast GDP growth of 3.4 per cent for Bangladesh in the 2026-27 fiscal year, while the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected growth of 4 per cent.
According to the IMF, Bangladesh’s economy grew by 3.6 per cent in the 2025-26 fiscal year, following growth of 3.5 per cent in the preceding fiscal year.
India, Bhutan expected to grow faster
The IMF has projected stronger economic growth in neighbouring countries, with India’s economy expected to expand by 7 per cent and Bhutan’s by 6.9 per cent in the relevant fiscal year.
The contrasting forecasts highlight the challenges facing Bangladesh as it seeks to restore economic momentum while tackling persistent inflation.
The IMF’s latest projections come as the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group are underway in Bangkok, Thailand.
Bangladesh’s economic situation, reform programmes and efforts to secure financing from development partners are among the key issues receiving attention during the meetings.
The World Bank supports the Bangladesh government’s policies to address the country’s current economic challenges, restore stability and implement medium- and long-term development plans, Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Tuesday.
He said the global lender was broadly aligned with Bangladesh’s economic programmes and policy priorities and would continue to support the country’s economic recovery and future development.
The finance minister made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a meeting with a World Bank managing director in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 13.
Amir Khasru said Bangladesh’s economy was facing significant challenges when the current government took office. Alongside dealing with the financial and economic burdens inherited from the previous period, the country was also having to navigate global economic disruptions caused by ongoing wars and geopolitical tensions.
He said the World Bank understood the realities facing Bangladesh and supported the government’s policy approach to overcoming the economic difficulties.
“The World Bank is aligned with the programmes and policy direction we have set to restore economic stability and ensure future development,” the minister said, adding that both sides would continue working together.
He said the World Bank was willing and prepared to provide the assistance Bangladesh needed.
No decision yet on proposed $10 billion in additional assistance
Clarifying reports that Bangladesh had sought an additional $10 billion in assistance from the World Bank, the finance minister said no final decision had been made.
He said discussions with the lender were ongoing and that possible proposals would be reviewed in light of those discussions. The process could take several months to complete, he added.
“No decision is being made at this stage. I have seen several inaccurate reports here and there. This is a discussion, and there will be follow-up based on these talks. It is a process that will continue over the next few months,” he said.
The minister stressed that the ongoing discussions should not be interpreted as a final agreement. Rather, they were intended to establish a basis for determining the next steps and considering possible decisions.
Further discussions would also take place in Dhaka, he said.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress of the talks, Amir Khasru said Bangladesh was in a favourable position to establish a framework for future cooperation.
He reiterated that the government’s economic policies, programmes and medium- and long-term development plans were broadly aligned with the World Bank’s position.
Government’s economic agenda aligned with BNP manifesto
The finance minister also said the World Bank’s position was consistent with the government’s economic plans and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) election manifesto.
He said discussions were underway on how to address the country’s economic challenges and achieve the government’s development objectives.
According to the minister, the government has submitted a written proposal outlining a framework for partnership with the World Bank. Discussions on the proposed framework will continue.
He said the World Bank had provided various recommendations and suggestions, while Bangladesh had also presented its own proposals and recommendations.
Further discussions would be based on these submissions, he added.
Government optimistic about inflation and GDP targets
Asked about forecasts by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on inflation and gross domestic product (GDP) growth, and how they compared with the government’s targets, the finance minister said the government did not intend to dispute the projections made by other institutions.
He said the institutions had prepared their forecasts based on their own calculations and analyses, adding that the country’s economic performance would become clearer as progress on key indicators was assessed over time.
“We do not want to dispute anyone’s projections. They have made their estimates based on their own calculations. We are carrying out our work, and they are doing theirs. What matters most is that the cooperation we need continues,” he said.
The minister expressed optimism that the government would be able to meet the inflation targets set out in the national budget.
He said the government was working to restore economic stability through continued engagement with the World Bank, implementation of its economic policies and progress on medium- and long-term development plans.
