Dhaka Investment Summit: BNP, Jamaat, NCP too promote Bangladesh
Staff Reporter :Major political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and the National Citizen Party (NCP), will collaborate with various organisations to promote a stable, long-term investment environment at the upcoming Bangladesh Investment Summit, scheduled from 7 to 10 April at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka.
At a press briefing held at the Bangladesh Foreign Service Academy on Sunday, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun announced that separate rooms would be allocated for these political parties during the summit.
“Their goal is to elevate Bangladesh’s investment climate to new heights,” said Ashik Mahmud, highlighting the parties’ commitment to fostering a conducive environment for foreign and domestic investments.
A significant feature of the summit will be a live internet connectivity demonstration by Starlink, the US-based telecom giant, on 9 April.
Key government institutions, including the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, and other major investment-related organisations, will also have dedicated rooms to facilitate direct engagement with investors.
The summit will be officially inaugurated on 9 April by Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus, who will address an audience of ambassadors, prominent business leaders, and policymakers.
Addressing the media, Ashik Mahmud emphasised the summit’s objective to position Bangladesh as a prime global investment destination.
“Foreign investors often have limited knowledge of Bangladesh’s economic landscape.
Through this summit, we aim to showcase the vast opportunities available in our country, along with our robust economic growth, investor-friendly policies, and vibrant culture,” he said.
The summit aims to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in five key sectors, including healthcare and the garments industry, while offering a platform for global investors to explore new opportunities in Bangladesh.
The event has already generated substantial international interest, with over 550 investors from 50 countries registering, alongside more than 2,500 Bangladeshi investors.
Several high-profile global business leaders will participate, including Óscar García Maceiras, CEO of Zara Group, CEO of Sultan Port, Chairman of the Dubai Economic Department, Vice President of Samsung, CEO of GO Brand, Representatives from Meta and Uber, Executives from Dawood Group (Pakistan), Venture capital firms like B Capital and Marubeni.
Their attendance underscores the growing international interest in Bangladesh as a promising investment hub.
As part of the summit’s activities, a 26-member South Korean delegation and other major foreign investors will visit key industrial zones, including Chattogram, Mirsarai, and the Korean EPZ, on 7 April.
Additionally, a startup programme will be held at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka on the same day.
On 8 April, foreign investors will tour the Japan Economic Zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj, to explore potential investment opportunities. The day will conclude with an evening programme at Hotel InterContinental.
A breakout session on energy, hosted by the European Union, will be a major highlight of the summit. A matchmaking event on 9 and 10 April will provide foreign investors with opportunities to engage directly with key stakeholders.
Designated rooms on the second floor of the InterContinental Hotel will house representatives from the NBR, Bangladesh Bank, and major political parties, enabling international investors to discuss policies and incentives.
To foster global collaboration, a MoU Corner will be established, where agreements will be signed with organisations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other entities.
A special cultural event, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, will be held on 9 April, offering foreign investors an immersive experience of Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage and traditions.
The summit reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening its position as a global investment hub and facilitating long-term economic growth through international collaboration.