Bangladesh Home Minister urges increased US investment with promise of improved security and business environment

DHAKA — Bangladesh Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has invited United States businesses to increase investment in the country, pledging to ensure a business-friendly environment and comprehensive security for foreign investors.

The call was made on Tuesday afternoon at the Home Ministry conference room in the Secretariat, where a high-level delegation led by Atul Keshap, President of the US-Bangladesh Business Council and Senior Vice President for South Asia at the US Chamber of Commerce, met with the minister.

According to a ministry press release, the discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade and investment, cooperation in the energy and security sectors, and other matters of mutual interest. Minister Ahmed reaffirmed the government’s commitment to facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI), noting that authorities have implemented tax-friendly policies to support incoming capital.

To streamline the investment process, the minister highlighted the government’s launch of “Invest Bangladesh,” a one-stop service platform. He stated that necessary legal and administrative measures have been taken over the past five to six months to simplify investment procedures further.

Addressing energy security, the minister mentioned that the government is reviewing proposals for the installation of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminals at strategic locations. He emphasized that these initiatives aim to diversify the energy sector while strengthening national security. He also pointed to opportunities for investment in food grain and energy supply through government-to-government, public-private, and private-sector partnerships.

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Regarding national security, Ahmed noted the government’s initiatives to modernize infrastructure, including the “Safe City” project under the umbrella of smart policing, integrated border management, and the introduction of e-visa facilities to bolster digital and technological security.

Atul Keshap acknowledged the long-standing success of major American corporations operating in Bangladesh, noting that the United States remains one of the country’s primary investors. He expressed optimism regarding Bangladesh’s economic trajectory, projecting that the nation’s economy could reach one trillion dollars by 2034.

Keshap stressed that reaching this target will require enhancements in technical and management capabilities, sustained GDP growth, and improved tax collection efficiency. He further discussed how U.S. companies could expand their role as partners in the country’s ongoing development process.

The meeting was attended by a 16-member business delegation from the US-Bangladesh Business Council and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs.