Bangladesh has established a new investment agency called Invest Bangladesh, which consolidates three previous authorities: the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), and the Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA). The Invest Bangladesh Act, which took effect on August 20, 2026, aims to simplify investor engagement with the government by bringing economic zones, free-trade zones, and industrial areas under a unified management structure.
The new agency, reporting to the Prime Minister’s Office, is designed to enhance efficiency for investors by streamlining the processes for licenses, approvals, and service delivery. It introduces clearer approval pathways for public-private partnerships and aims to better utilize state assets.
According to Ashik Chowdhury, the chairman of Invest Bangladesh, this transition is not merely an institutional merger but also a step towards better organization around investor needs. The agency plans to assist investors in navigating the approval processes and will continue operating BanglaBiz, the country’s digital platform for investment services. It is also working towards implementing a 14-day business licensing framework, with a progress report expected as the government’s 180-day commitment period concludes.
