Business Report:
Bangladesh’s startup environment continues to face serious structural challenges, with entrepreneurs encountering complicated procedures, harassment, and entrenched corruption at various stages of launching a business, said Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 12th National SME Fair in Dhaka Sunday, Chowdhury said the existing system remains far from business-friendly, especially for new entrepreneurs. “Business registration is complex and requires visiting multiple offices, where many entrepreneurs face corruption and harassment,” he said.
He added that ongoing discussions on corruption in ports, customs, and logistics highlight long-standing problems. “Ultimately, the government cannot compromise on corruption,” he said. ‘If small entrepreneurs face corruption, the model doesn’t work’
Chowdhury warned that corruption at the entry stage can be devastating for SMEs already struggling with limited capital. “If small entrepreneurs face corruption while trying to access government services, the business model simply does not work,” he said.
BIDA moves toward a single digital platform
To reduce these barriers, BIDA—supported by development partners—is developing an integrated digital system bringing business registration, licensing, bank account opening, and other startup services under one online platform. “We aim to digitise services as much as possible so entrepreneurs no longer need to meet anyone in person,” he said. A fully digital system, expected next year, would reduce bribery by eliminating unnecessary interactions. “You will go to a website or app, receive the service, and leave,” he added. New matchmaking portal for investors
BIDA has also launched an online matchmaking portal to connect local and foreign investors.
“Foreign investors often ask us to connect them with local partners, and local investors ask for foreign partners. This is difficult to manage manually,” he said.
