Bangladesh must undertake comprehensive port and logistics reforms, including collaboration with globally experienced port operators, to enhance trade competitiveness and support long-term economic growth, according to Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA).
Speaking at the conference titled “Roadmap for Trade, Growth and Economic Diplomacy 2026 – Navigating Risks: Leveraging Resilience” in Dhaka on June 13, Ashik underscored the urgent need to modernize the country’s logistics infrastructure amid evolving global trade dynamics. The event was jointly organized by the International Trade, Investment and Technology Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and BIDA.
Citing the latest World Bank Container Port Performance Index, he noted that Bangladesh ranked 364th among 400 ports worldwide, highlighting significant room for improvement in port efficiency and logistics performance.
“The ranking clearly demonstrates the scale of the challenge before us,” he said, emphasizing that improved logistics capabilities will be critical for sustaining export growth and attracting foreign direct investment.
Addressing concerns frequently raised by investors, Ashik identified energy shortages, logistics inefficiencies and regulatory complexities as the principal constraints to investment and industrial expansion in Bangladesh. He noted that the government has initiated a broad reform agenda aimed at streamlining regulations, improving the business environment and enhancing investor confidence.
He also described the proposed national budget for FY2026–27 as one of the most investment-oriented budgets in recent years, with a strong focus on deregulation, business facilitation and private sector-led growth.
On the energy front, Ashik stressed that a stable and uninterrupted power supply remains a fundamental requirement for industrial competitiveness, particularly in the manufacturing sector. To strengthen energy security, the government plans to expand renewable energy generation through the development of large-scale solar projects on unused public land and by simplifying policies for rooftop solar installations.
He further emphasized the importance of diversifying Bangladesh’s energy mix, noting that a dedicated government task force is currently working on long-term strategies for the oil and gas sector.
According to Ashik, Bangladesh is lagging by five to ten years in critical energy infrastructure development. To bridge this gap, the government is prioritizing investments in additional floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) capacity, the establishment of a land-based LNG terminal, and the expansion of the second unit of Eastern Refinery Limited.
He said these initiatives will be crucial to ensuring energy security, strengthening industrial productivity and positioning Bangladesh as a more competitive destination for trade and investment in the years ahead.
