BIDA undertakes major reform to streamline investment services in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the government’s apex investment promotion agency, has announced a significant internal restructuring to better align its operations with the investor lifecycle, aiming to make Bangladesh a more competitive investment destination.

The reform is part of the broader 32-point investment climate agenda, which seeks to attract both foreign and domestic investment through more efficient, transparent, and proactive services.

Under the new structure, BIDA has created dedicated wings corresponding to different stages of the investor lifecycle:

Investment Promotion – focuses on attracting investors and facilitating entry.

Research & Policy – provides policy support, advocacy, and insights for investors.

Operations – manages investor onboarding, expansion, and retention.

Digital Development – modernizes the investment service ecosystem.

Administration – continues to support institutional functions across all areas.

Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury emphasized that BIDA must evolve to meet the needs of a dynamic investment landscape, stating,

“As a specialized agency, it must go beyond traditional administrative models and reflect the responsiveness required to serve today’s investors.”

Key changes under the reform include:

Opening Executive Membership to private sector professionals and BIDA officials beyond the admin cadre.

Creation of specialized branches for Research & Policy and Investment Promotion.

Establishment of a diaspora investor support desk.

Recruitment of sector specialists and relationship managers to help investors navigate regulations.

In addition, the government has formed a high-powered national committee to integrate all Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) under a single institutional framework, aiming to reduce fragmentation and provide a more investor-friendly system.

BIDA has already begun implementing the new structure and plans to release detailed information on its website next month.

This reform signals Bangladesh’s commitment to streamlined investor services, clearer accountability, and a modernized investment ecosystem to boost economic growth.