Bangladesh investment policy review report launched
Bangladesh has launched the UNCTAD Investment Policy Review implementation report in Dhaka, marking a significant step towards accelerating investment policy reforms and advancing the nation's post-LDC economic ambitions.
The report was launched in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), according to a press release.
The high-level dialogue brought together senior government officials, private sector representatives, and development partners to chart strategies for strengthening Bangladesh's investment framework and advancing priority reforms following the country's graduation from least developed country (LDC) status.
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BIDA executive chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, state minister, emphasised that attracting sustainable, high-quality investment in the post-LDC transition is vital for economic transformation, diversification, technology transfer, and job creation.
He highlighted the importance of integrated reforms and robust institutional capacity to attract investment in line with national development priorities.
'Strong investment policies and robust institutional capacity are instrumental in attracting responsible and impactful investments that create decent jobs, foster innovation, and ensure inclusive, sustainable growth—especially in the post-LDC transition,' said Sonali Dayaratne, deputy resident representative, UNDP Bangladesh.
The 2026 Investment Policy Review implementation report, prepared by UNCTAD at BIDA's request, assesses a decade of progress in implementing the 2013 Investment Policy Review recommendations.
The report highlights significant progress, such as establishing BIDA as the lead agency for investment facilitation and expanding digital investment services.
It also identifies key reform priorities, including developing a comprehensive national investment policy, enacting an investment law, and completing digitalisation of processes.
The event featured a video message from Nan Lee Collins, director, Investment and Enterprise Division, UNCTAD.
Kiyoshi Adachi, legal officer, Investment and Enterprise Division, UNCTAD, delivered the keynote address.
A high-level panel discussion, moderated by Yves Parari, country economic adviser, UNDP Bangladesh, explored practical roadmaps for implementing the report's recommendations.
Md Humayun Kabir, executive member, BIDA, chaired the dialogue.
Attendees included Anwarul Haque, assistant resident representative, UNDP Bangladesh; Sohana Rouf Chowdhury, managing director, Rangs Group; Dr M Masrur Riaz, chairman, Policy Exchange Bangladesh; Md Ariful Haque, former director general, BIDA; Ferdous Ara Begum, chief executive officer, BIDA; and Md Hafizur Rahman, trade policy and facilitation expert.
The dialogue was organised under the Transformative Economic Policy Programme, supported by the UK government and implemented by UNDP Bangladesh.
Through the programme, UNDP provides policy advice and capacity development to strengthen economic governance and evidence-based reforms.
Organisers stated that publication of the report will further strengthen Bangladesh's efforts to attract quality investment in support of sustainable development and long-term economic stability.
