Foreign investments by Bangladeshi firms rose sharply in the July–September quarter, driven mainly by increased intra-company lending and reinvested earnings, as domestic companies stepped up long-term investments abroad, according to central bank data.
Net foreign direct investment outflows from Bangladesh climbed to $15.8 million in the July–September quarter of fiscal year 2025–26, up from $1.7 million in the same period of 2024, Bangladesh Bank data showed.
A rise in net FDI outflow means Bangladeshi companies are sending more money overseas for long-term investment than they are bringing back. Net FDI outflow refers to outward investment by Bangladeshi entities minus any funds repatriated into the country.
The July–September figure also exceeded net outflows of $8.64 million in April–June 2025 and $7.36 million in January–March 2025, pointing to a sustained acceleration in outward investment over recent quarters.
Earlier, net outflows stood at $18.43 million in October–December 2024, indicating that the momentum in overseas investment has remained elevated for nearly a year.
On an annual basis, net FDI outflows in FY25 stood at $35.04 million, an increase of $37.82 million compared with FY24, when outward flows were significantly lower.
A breakdown of the July–September data showed that intra-company loans were the largest driver of net outflows at $9.45 million, followed by reinvested earnings of $4.12 million and equity capital outflows of $2.23 million.
Intra-company lending swung from a negative $8.72 million in the same quarter last year, suggesting that Bangladeshi parent companies are now actively financing their overseas affiliates rather than repatriating funds.
The rise in outward activity is also reflected in the stock position of Bangladesh’s overseas investments.
Total outward FDI stock rose to $362.14 million at the end of September 2025, up from $351.37 million at the end of June 2025 and $337 million in June 2024.
Country-wise data showed that India topped the list of destinations with $105.34 million, followed closely by the United Kingdom at $102 million. Hong Kong accounted for $80 million, the United Arab Emirates $61.36 million and Malaysia $12 million.
Sector-wise, financial intermediaries dominated outward FDI stock at $314 million. Mining and quarrying accounted for $54 million, while manufacturing-related investments remained small. Chemicals and pharmaceuticals recorded a negative stock of $16.23 million, indicating net disinvestment or repayment.
The increase in net outward investment came alongside stronger overall FDI inflows into Bangladesh.
Net FDI inflows rose by $270.78 million, or 19.13 per cent, in FY25, driven mainly by higher reinvested earnings and intra-company loans, according to Bangladesh Bank data.
