Created in Bangladesh brand to spearhead creative economy drive

 
The initiative, outlined in the National Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27), reflects the government's effort to mainstream the creative economy and position it as an important investment in human resource development and future welfare.
 
Under the programme, the "Created in Bangladesh" brand will showcase the country's creative potential in international festivals and markets while creating opportunities for Bangladeshi creators and enterprises to establish a stronger presence in the global marketplace.
 
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury highlighted the significance of the initiative in his budget presentation, saying, "A national brand titled 'Created in Bangladesh' will be launched to showcase the country's creative potential in international festivals and markets. ... For the development of the film industry and active participation in OTT platforms, internationally standardized, technologically advanced studios will be established."
 
The government has set a target to raise the creative economy's contribution to 1.5 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while generating 500,000 new jobs in the sector.
 
To support the expansion of the industry, an initial allocation of Tk 300 crore has been proposed in the FY27 budget. In addition, another Tk 500 crore will be mobilized from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) sector of Bangladesh Bank.
 
The strategy combines investment, infrastructure development, market access and fiscal incentives to create a supportive ecosystem for creative enterprises, content creators and artisans.
 
A key component of the initiative is the development of modern infrastructure. The government plans to establish internationally standardized and technologically advanced film studios to support the growth of the film industry and facilitate active participation in OTT platforms.
 
A world-class Central Creative Hub is also planned on 160 acres of land in Purbachal under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
 
Alongside the central facility, regional creative hubs will be established at divisional, district and upazila levels, as well as within the premises of Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
 
The government will also provide active support to Bangladeshi content creators and companies to facilitate their entry into international markets.
 
In rural areas, artisans engaged in handloom products, pottery, shital pati and other traditional crafts will be integrated into the global value chain under the "One-Village, One-Product" initiative through improved design and quality enhancement.
 
To encourage creative entrepreneurship, the budget proposes a series of fiscal incentives. All income from content creation will be completely exempt from income tax, while services provided by content creators and freelancers will receive a full exemption from the existing 15 percent Value Added Tax (VAT).
 
The government also plans to reduce customs duties on high-tech cinematographic cameras and spare parts from 15 percent to 5 percent and fully withdraw regulatory duties on musical instruments.
 
Explaining the rationale behind the measures, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said, "The Government attaches special importance to the creative economy and seeks to develop it as an important source of employment, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.”

“We believe that this promising sector can make a significant contribution as an investment in human resource development, national branding, and future welfare."
 
He further said, "To harness the creativity and intellectual potential of our promising young generation and build a globally competitive 'Creative Economy,' I propose reducing duties on several items essential for high-quality content creation and filmmaking, ensuring that such tools remain within the reach of young creators."
 
The combined initiatives signal a strategic effort to develop a globally competitive creative economy under the banner of "Created in Bangladesh" while expanding employment opportunities and strengthening the country's presence in international creative markets, reports BSS.