Mahdi: Improved Moody's outlook and govt measures to boost investment, jobs

Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Mahdi Amin today said the improvement in Bangladesh's economic outlook by global credit rating agency Moody’s, coupled with the government's multifaceted initiatives, would help attract foreign investment and create more employment opportunities.

"Improvement in Bangladesh's economic outlook will help attract foreign investment and create employment opportunities," he told a press briefing at the Karabi Hall of the Prime Minister's Office, highlighting the government's development activities, economic progress and various public welfare initiatives during its seven-month tenure.

Mahdi said the government is implementing integrated programmes in seven areas - youth empowerment, education, innovation, social protection, energy, healthcare and infrastructure - along with institutional governance, with the aim of addressing immediate challenges and laying the foundation for a more prosperous and knowledge-based Bangladesh.

As part of the initiatives, he said, a Taka 50-crore special loan fund has been established under Bangladesh Bank to support young entrepreneurs. Around 5,000 promising young entrepreneurs will receive collateral-free startup capital support every year under the programme.

Besides, interest-free e-loan facilities through digital channels are being introduced for marginal and small entrepreneurs without collateral, he said.

Commenting on the economic situation and inflation, the PMO spokesperson said the inflation rate is currently showing a declining trend compared to the same period last year, while the supply of essential food items remains at a satisfactory level.

He said the government continues to provide the highest possible subsidy to keep diesel prices affordable in Bangladesh compared to neighbouring countries.

Regarding the improvement in gas supply, Mahdi said gas flow had increased significantly since yesterday in line with the Prime Minister's directive. "We are seeing significant improvement in gas supply today and, InshaAllah, this trend will continue in the coming days," he said.

Referring to Moody's decision last Tuesday to change Bangladesh's sovereign rating outlook from negative to stable, Mahdi said the country's long-term issuer and senior unsecured ratings remained unchanged at B2.

"This development will further strengthen Bangladesh's international position and create a more favourable environment for foreign investment and employment," he said.

Mahdi added, "We believe this will not only increase foreign investment in Bangladesh but also enhance the country's standing internationally, while employment opportunities needed to empower women and youth will also move in a positive direction."

Asked whether the improved sovereign outlook also reflected other factors, including political stability, democracy and foreign pressures, the PMO spokesperson said an elected government, policy continuity and a more stable business environment were also important considerations in the assessment.

He said the government's business- and investment-friendly policies and active engagement in the international arena are helping boost confidence among investors and business leaders.

On fuel prices, Mahadi said diesel prices in Bangladesh were relatively lower than in many other countries, particularly neighbouring countries, as the government was providing subsidies to reduce the burden on the people.

Elaborating on the government's seven areas of focus, he said its public welfare and reform initiatives over the past month could broadly be grouped into seven sectors.

These are youth empowerment, education, information technology and innovation, physical wellbeing and improvement of quality of life, women's advancement, universal welfare and social protection, environment-friendly energy and climate-resilient industrialization, modern healthcare, infrastructure and public health, communication and traffic management, and institutional governance, public diplomacy and foreign relations.

Referring to Bangladesh Innovation Fair-2026, organised to connect young innovators directly with global investors, Mahadi said Prime Minister's wife Dr Zubaida Rahman had provided guidance and encouragement to the participating young entrepreneurs.

In the cybersecurity sector, initiatives have been taken to introduce a national ICT and cybersecurity rating system and a cyber investment reporting system, he said.

The government is also taking policy initiatives to encourage modern smartphone manufacturing in the country, he added.

He said the initiatives are part of the broader effort to build a technology-driven and innovation-based Bangladesh while ensuring that the benefits of economic growth create wider employment and opportunities for the people.

PM's Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman also spoke at the briefing.