Bangladesh will undertake investment reforms to attract foreign capital and build the foundation for a $1 trillion economy by 2034, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Thursday, pledging stronger investor protection, simpler regulations and a more business-friendly environment.
Addressing the FICCI FDI Conference 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center (BCFCC) in Dhaka, Tarique invited foreign companies to expand their presence in Bangladesh, saying the government wants investors to become long-term partners in the country’s economic transformation.
“Today, I want to give you a simple message: the new, forward-looking BNP government wants your companies to invest and expand in Bangladesh,” he said.
The prime minister said the government would support investors through policy reforms, legal protection and institutional backing to create a predictable environment for businesses.
The conference, titled “Driving Foreign Investment for Jobs and Prosperity in Bangladesh”, was organised by the Foreign Investors’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and brought together around 600 delegates, including policymakers, regulators, diplomats, development partners, multinational executives, investors and business leaders.
Tarique said Bangladesh’s future depends not only on attracting foreign investment but also on building durable partnerships with investors.
“We invite you not only to invest in Bangladesh, but also to become partners in delivering that vision,” he said.
The prime minister said the government is committed to creating a rules-based, globally connected and private sector-driven economy, with the election manifesto providing a roadmap for economic transformation.
Drawing on his experience as a businessman before entering politics, Tarique said companies do not succeed only because of entrepreneurial ability or political assurances.
“Businesses partly succeed because of government policies that support growth,” he said.
He said investors had identified several areas requiring improvement, including stronger legal protection, modern regulatory frameworks, simpler tax systems, easier profit repatriation, a deeper capital market and better infrastructure.
The government is working to modernise legal and regulatory frameworks, strengthen investor protection, improve dispute resolution, simplify tax and VAT administration and digitise public services, Tarique said.
Reducing unnecessary regulations, cutting red tape and improving government procedures are also part of the reform agenda, he added.
The prime minister highlighted plans to improve ports, logistics, infrastructure and energy security while encouraging greater investment in renewable energy.
Bangladesh is positioning itself as a manufacturing hub by expanding and diversifying the ready-made garment sector and investing in skills, technology and human capital development, he said.
Priority investment sectors include renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, electronics, digital services, agro-processing, advanced textiles, healthcare and logistics.
Tarique said Bangladesh’s strengths include a growing domestic market, a young workforce, strategic geographical location and an elected government with public support, which together create opportunities for sustained growth.
The push for foreign investment comes as Bangladesh prepares for the next phase of development after graduation from the least developed country category. Policymakers have identified external capital as a key driver for industrial expansion, job creation and export diversification.
At the conference, FICCI launched its FDI Report 2026, containing analysis, observations and recommendations to strengthen the investment environment and accelerate sustainable economic growth.
FICCI President and Berger Paints Bangladesh Managing Director Rupali Haque Chowdhury, Senior Vice President Dipal Abeybikram, Executive Director TIM Nurul Kabir, PwC Bangladesh Country Managing Partner Shams Zaman and Policy Exchange Chairman M Masrur Reaz handed over the report to the prime minister.
Before the main session, Tarique visited the Investors Expo organised by FICCI at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center premises and exchanged views with representatives of participating companies and organisations.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, State Minister for Land Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun attended the conference.
The event focused on Bangladesh’s investment opportunities and challenges as the country seeks to attract more foreign capital, strengthen global supply chain links and move towards higher-value industries.
