The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) has initiated a nationwide industrial mapping project aimed at identifying investment zones and strengthening region-based industrial planning.
The initiative seeks to create a data-driven framework to guide policymaking, improve infrastructure development and support targeted investment strategies across the country.
According to officials, the mapping exercise will analyse industries by district and sector to determine the most suitable locations for different types of economic activities. The project is expected to be completed within six months, with an initial database made available for investors.
Nahian Rahman Rochi, executive member and head of business development at Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, said the initiative will help align industries with regional strengths and resources.
“This mapping will allow us to identify which sectors can be prioritised to develop industrial hubs in different regions, including northern Bangladesh,” he said.
The framework will cover a wide range of sectors, including agro-processing, manufacturing, export-oriented industries and technology-driven businesses. It will also integrate data on existing economic zones, export processing zones (EPZs), hi-tech parks and potential new industrial areas.
Officials say the database will enable both local and foreign investors to assess opportunities more efficiently by providing insights into land availability, infrastructure readiness, and policy incentives across regions.
The initiative comes as Bangladesh increasingly focuses on diversifying its industrial base beyond the ready-made garment sector. Priority sectors include pharmaceuticals, leather, agro-processing, information technology and emerging blue economy activities.
As part of the broader strategy, the government is also considering targeted policy support for sectors such as marine processing, deep-sea fishing and mariculture, while continuing to emphasise the importance of port modernisation, energy security and logistics improvements.
BIDA officials noted that the industrial mapping project is a key component of a 180-day action plan aimed at accelerating investment and strengthening long-term economic growth.
By aligning investment with regional capabilities, the initiative is expected to enhance industrial efficiency, attract new capital flows and support more balanced economic development across Bangladesh.
