Published: 12:29 AM, 19 June 2026
BIDA prioritizes domestic investments, focuses on resolving energy crisis
Amid growing global geopolitical tensions and continued uncertainty in international markets, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) is placing greater emphasis on domestic investment rather than relying heavily on foreign capital. Improving the local business environment and encouraging domestic investors have now become the agency's primary priorities.
Speaking to journalists at a workshop titled "Bangladesh's Investment Flows & Investment Facilitation" on Thursday, BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun outlined the authority's current investment strategy.
He said that ongoing global conflicts, volatile energy prices, and uncertainty in international markets have prompted many foreign investors to adopt a "wait-and-see" approach. In response, BIDA is shifting its focus toward strengthening domestic investment while exploring ways to utilize idle and abandoned state-owned industrial assets.
Although foreign investment commitments increased by nearly 40 percent at the beginning of the year, various international factors have delayed the implementation of those investment projects beyond initial expectations.
The BIDA chief identified the country's gas and electricity shortages as the most significant concerns raised by investors. He emphasized that resolving the energy crisis is now among the government's highest priorities, noting that sustainable investment growth is impossible without a reliable and uninterrupted energy supply.
While acknowledging that there is no immediate solution to the energy shortage, he stressed the importance of taking decisive measures now to significantly reduce the crisis over the next two to three years. To address the challenge, BIDA is actively promoting investment in renewable energy and supporting the development of the necessary infrastructure.
Referring to the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to China, Ashik Mahmud described the trip as highly significant, noting that China has remained one of Bangladesh's largest sources of investment over the past five years. He said the visit could lead to important discussions on investment in the Chinese Economic Zone and Mongla Port.
He also announced that BIDA has expanded its priority list of economic zones from five to ten. The authority now aims to accelerate the development of these zones through joint initiatives, with the goal of enhancing Bangladesh's investment climate and long-term economic growth.
