Doing Business in Bangladesh

Bangladesh encourages local employment to support workforce development, requiring employers to justify hiring expatriates for specialized roles. Companies must demonstrate that no qualified local professionals are available before recruiting foreign employees. Expatriates typically fill positions in sectors like IT, engineering, and finance, where expertise is scarce. Hiring locals reduces costs and ensures smoother compliance with […]

The Bangladesh Labour Act of 2006 governs employment practices, ensuring worker rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions. It sets provisions for working hours, overtime pay, contract terms, termination policies, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Employees are entitled to annual, casual, and sick leave, along with maternity benefits. The law also mandates workplace safety standards, preventing

Foreign nationals intending to work in Bangladesh must obtain an Employment (E) Visa, issued for an initial period of three months and extendable up to three years. Employers must secure approval from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) before hiring expatriates. Upon arrival, employees must register with the local authorities and apply for a work

Foreign investors in Bangladesh face several challenges despite the country’s investment potential. Regulatory hurdles and bureaucratic inefficiencies can slow business registration and approvals. Foreign exchange controls make profit repatriation complex, affecting investor confidence. Infrastructure gaps, including inconsistent power supply and inadequate logistics, increase operational costs. Policy uncertainty and changes in regulations create unpredictability for long-term

Bangladesh’s key business hubs—Dhaka, Chittagong, Barishal, and Khulna—play vital roles in the country’s economic growth.   Dhaka, the capital and financial center, is home to corporate headquarters, industrial zones, and a thriving startup ecosystem.   Chittagong, home to the country’s largest seaport, is a gateway for international trade and a central industrial and logistics hub.

In 2025, Bangladesh plans to merge its existing investment promotion agencies into a single Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) to streamline investment processes and attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Currently, key agencies include:   Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA): The primary investment promotion agency responsible for facilitating local and foreign investments.   Bangladesh Export Processing Zones

In 2025, Bangladesh implemented strategic policies to enhance foreign direct investment (FDI), focusing on regulatory improvements, infrastructure development, and leveraging competitive advantages. A key initiative is the introduction of the FDI Heatmap, a data-driven framework targeting 19 high-potential sectors such as renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing. This tool serves as a strategic blueprint for guiding

Bangladesh presents promising investment opportunities across various sectors in 2025. The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) has started the year on a positive note, attracting both local and foreign investors. The Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) market is projected to reach $1.92 billion, reflecting a growing consumer finance sector.   Additionally, the technology and renewable energy sectors

In 2025, Bangladesh is undergoing significant governmental reforms to enhance democratic governance and stimulate economic growth. The interim administration, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is preparing for upcoming elections and is committed to establishing a more inclusive political framework. The newly formed National Citizens’ Party (NCP), emerging from student-led movements, advocates for a “second

In 2025, Bangladesh introduced significant legal reforms in cybersecurity and banking. The Cyber Security Ordinance 2024 grants the Director General of the National Cyber Security Agency extensive powers, including content restriction and user data access, raising concerns about potential overreach and infringement on freedom of expression.   Concurrently, the Bank Resolution Ordinance 2025 empowers the Bangladesh Bank to intervene