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‘Invest Bangladesh’ began operations on its first working day following the publication of the gazette under the Invest Bangladesh Act, 2026. The brand identity and logo of the new organisation were also unveiled on Sunday.
The government has formed Invest Bangladesh by merging the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA). The new organisation, under the Prime Minister’s Office, has been established as the country’s premier investment promotion agency.
According to a press release, investment facilitation, policy coordination, economic zone development and public-private partnership capabilities have been brought under a single organisation.
As a result, domestic and foreign investors will receive coordinated assistance from one agency for investment-related opportunities and services across the country.
Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said, “This is not merely a merger of three organisations. The goal is to make the government’s work more effective by putting investors at the centre. By combining our capabilities, we want to make responsibilities and accountability clearer throughout the investment journey and provide more coordinated support.”
He said Invest Bangladesh was beginning a new chapter as a larger and stronger team, building on the achievements and experience of its predecessor organisations.
Investors to Receive Services Under One Roof
Through the new authority, investors will have access to approvals, registrations, import-export services, incentives, industrial zones and other government services in a more streamlined and coordinated manner.
The law provides scope to establish procedures and timelines for issuing licences, approvals and government services. Invest Bangladesh will assist investors in identifying suitable locations, facilitating necessary approval processes and removing obstacles to business growth.
The organisation will continue operating BanglaBiz, Bangladesh’s single digital investment services platform. Through the platform, businesses will be able to obtain licences and approvals online within specified timeframes.
The new authority is working to introduce a 14-day business licensing framework, which is being viewed as an important step towards creating a faster and more predictable business environment.
The Invest Bangladesh Act, 2026 creates scope for bringing economic zones, free trade zones and other designated industrial areas under an integrated framework.
It also allows unused government land, facilities, shares and rights to be utilised for productive purposes. The framework for approving public-private partnership projects has been made clearer, while approval of smaller PPP projects could also be simplified.
Economic zones will be prioritised for investment because electricity, gas, water and transport connections can be provided relatively quickly in these areas. However, Invest Bangladesh will also support projects outside economic zones based on the nature of the project and investors’ requirements.
Regular officials and employees of BIDA, BEZA and PPPA will be incorporated into Invest Bangladesh in equivalent positions. Their employment continuity and existing benefits will remain intact.
Consultants, outsourced workers and daily-wage employees will continue working under the terms of their existing contracts or orders.
The law also creates scope for bringing investment and business-related services under a single digital platform. This will allow further expansion of single-window clearance, one-stop services and online processes for business licences and approvals.
Invest Bangladesh said the deadline for implementing the 180-day commitments announced in March is now approaching. A report on progress in implementing the commitments will be published before the deadline expires.