Invest Bangladesh launched
Bangladesh has taken a major step towards creating a more investor-friendly business environment with the launch of Invest Bangladesh, a new investment authority designed to bring key investment-related services under a single platform and attract greater domestic and foreign investment.
The new entity, formed through the merger of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and the Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA), officially began operations on Thursday following the government’s gazette notification of the Invest Bangladesh Act, 2026.
The notification, issued on 20 August, brought the new law into effect on the same day. ABM Abdus Sattar, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, signed the notification by order of the President.
The government expects the consolidation to simplify investment procedures, reduce administrative barriers and provide investors with more coordinated and reliable services through a single front desk.
Nahian Rahman Rochi, an Executive Member and Head of Business Development at the now-dissolved BIDA, said all operations would now be conducted under the name Invest Bangladesh, while the authority’s organisational structure, wings and teams would be established in phases.
He said officials were pleased with the formal launch following months of preparation and described the merger as a response to long-standing demands from investors for a single platform to access investment-related services.
According to Nahian Rahman, Invest Bangladesh will be developed as a one-stop service centre where investors can obtain various services in a more coordinated and seamless manner.
Statutory investment authority
Under the new law, Invest Bangladesh will operate as a statutory body headquartered in Dhaka. It will have the provision to establish branches across the country and liaison offices overseas, subject to government approval.
The authority will be headed by a chairman and seven members. The chairman will also serve as its chief executive.
Its key responsibilities will include identifying sectors with investment potential, promoting domestic and foreign investment, removing barriers to investment and coordinating activities among relevant ministries, government agencies and other stakeholders.
The government expects the integrated structure to improve the delivery of investment services and make it easier for businesses to navigate regulatory and administrative procedures.
Assets and staff transferred
As part of the merger, the assets, documents, contracts, liabilities and other affairs of BIDA, BEZA and PPPA will be transferred to Invest Bangladesh.
The officers and employees of the three organisations will also continue their duties under the new authority.
Officials said the transition to the new organisational structure would take place gradually, with new wings and teams being formed in phases.
The government hopes the unified investment authority will reduce institutional fragmentation and help remove some of the complexities faced by investors.
By bringing investment promotion, economic zone development and public-private partnership activities under one umbrella, the government expects Invest Bangladesh to play a stronger role in attracting both domestic and international capital and improving Bangladesh’s overall investment climate.
