Invest Bangladesh starts operations as the country’s top investment promotion agency

Invest Bangladesh, the country's new apex investment promotion agency, began operations today following the publication of the gazette notification under the Invest Bangladesh Act, 2026.

The new authority has been formed through the merger of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA), bringing investment facilitation, policy coordination, economic zone development and public-private partnership functions under one institution, said a press release.

Operating under the Prime Minister's Office, Invest Bangladesh also unveiled its new brand identity today, marking the transition towards a unified national investment platform.

"This is more than an institutional merger. It is about organising the government more effectively around the investor," Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said.

"By uniting our capabilities, we aim to provide clearer accountability and more coordinated support across the investment journey. We will continue to respect our heritage while forging new chapters as a bigger and stronger team," he added.

The new agency is expected to provide domestic and foreign investors with a single point of access to investment opportunities, approvals, services and facilities across Bangladesh.

The Invest Bangladesh Act, 2026 provides for an integrated framework covering economic zones, free-trade zones and other declared industrial areas. It also enables underused government land, facilities, shares and rights to be put to productive use.

The Act further provides clearer approval frameworks for public-private partnership projects, including simplified procedures for smaller PPP projects.

Invest Bangladesh will also facilitate the digitisation of investment and business services through a single digital platform.

It will continue operating BanglaBiz, Bangladesh's single digital platform for investment services, providing online and time-bound access to business licences and permits.

The agency is working to implement a 14-day business licensing framework as part of the government's efforts to establish a faster and more predictable business environment.

As the 180-day period for implementing the government's commitments made in March nears its end, Invest Bangladesh said it would publish a progress report on delivery against those commitments before the period ends.

Investors are expected to benefit from more coordinated access to approvals, registrations, import-export services, incentives, industrial zones and other government services.

Economic zones will remain a priority as they offer advantages in terms of utilities and transport connectivity.

However, Invest Bangladesh will also facilitate projects outside economic zones, including through the utilisation of unused state assets, depending on the nature of projects and investors' requirements.

The merger will not disrupt existing investor services. Instead, the institutional integration is intended to create a single front office and provide more coordinated support throughout the investment lifecycle.

Regarding manpower, regular officers and employees of BIDA, BEZA and PPPA will be absorbed into Invest Bangladesh in equivalent positions, with continuity of service and existing benefits protected.

Consultants, outsourced personnel and daily-wage workers will continue under their existing contracts or orders.

The formation of Invest Bangladesh is aimed at simplifying the investor journey and creating a more coordinated and predictable investment environment in the country.