Bangladesh Receives Nearly $1b Investment Proposals in 5 Months

Bangladesh has received investment proposals totaling nearly US$1 billion in the first five months of 2025, according to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).

Nahian Rahman Rochi, BIDA’s head of business development, described the flow of proposals as a positive sign for the country’s investment climate. He noted that around 20 percent of the proposals submitted between January and May have reached an advanced stage, including signed agreements, land lease confirmations, and letters of allotment.

Rochi shared the information on Tuesday while meeting a group of journalists covering investment affairs at the BIDA auditorium in Dhaka. He highlighted that the figures reflect growing investor interest in Bangladesh’s special economic zones (SEZs), a central component of the government’s industrialisation drive.

“Our focus is not only on the volume but also the quality and sustainability of investments,” Rochi said. “If this momentum continues and facilitation becomes more streamlined, the next five months could bring even more impactful results.”

He emphasised that the trend signals renewed confidence from both local and foreign investors during the post-pandemic recovery phase. According to the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), about 60 percent of the proposals are still in the exploratory or due diligence stage, including feasibility studies, early-stage discussions, and preliminary project planning.

“Globally, most large-scale proposals start in the exploratory phase and gradually move toward implementation with proper facilitation,” Rochi said. Another 20 percent of proposals are under in-depth scrutiny prior to formal documentation, providing a realistic outlook for capital inflows over the next 12–24 months.

To address investor queries and enhance transparency, Md Nazrul Islam, BEZA executive member (planning and development), said the authority is developing a Unified Investment Portal. The platform will consolidate key data on investment status, zone-specific developments, land availability, and approval timelines.

“Currently, updates are fragmented across agencies. This portal will standardise data-sharing and align decision-making processes,” Nazrul said. The portal is expected to boost investor confidence, reduce administrative delays, and allow real-time tracking of investment stages.

In a further step to attract sustainable investment, BEZA has launched a dedicated research unit supported by international consultants with over a decade of global experience. The unit is identifying high-potential sectors such as rubber, furniture, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.

“Policy without data is directionless,” Nazrul noted. “We are investing in long-term research to better understand investor priorities and align them with national development goals.”

However, officials cautioned that while the inflow of proposals is encouraging, the real challenge lies in converting them into operational projects. From land acquisition to infrastructure readiness and utility services, the process demands ongoing coordination and facilitation.