The government has made energy security its top economic priority, pledging to ensure uninterrupted gas and electricity supplies for industries as part of a broader strategy to reduce business costs, improve competitiveness and attract investment.
Mahdi Amin, Adviser to the Prime Minister and official spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), made the remarks while addressing the BAYLA Future Summit 2026, organised by the Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Alliance (BAYLA) in the capital on Tuesday.
"We now have to place the highest priority on energy security. Many industries are still facing gas and electricity shortages. We are working on the issue and, within a practical timeframe, are committed to resolving these problems," he said.
He said Bangladesh has three major advantages for attracting investment: a large young workforce, a sizeable domestic market and a democratic government capable of ensuring policy continuity and national stability.
"To capitalise on these strengths, we must ensure energy security while reducing the cost of doing business, improving port efficiency and creating a more investment-friendly environment," he added.
Mahdi Amin said the government is working to build a more business-friendly ecosystem by developing new industrial parks, simplifying bonded warehouse procedures, reducing bureaucratic red tape and lowering business costs.
"We want to create an ecosystem where the ease of doing business improves and the cost of doing business declines. Businesses have been deprived of these facilities for many years, and as a new government we will make every possible effort to bring about these changes."
He said the government is also implementing structural reforms to strengthen transparency, accountability and good governance while shifting public investment towards human capital development.
"Our investment will not be confined to bricks and mortar. We want to invest in people through education, healthcare, skills development and capacity building."
Referring to the apparel industry, he said Bangladesh still lags behind many competing countries in productivity despite its labour-cost advantage. The government is therefore prioritising skills development and technological integration across manufacturing, research and development (R&D), logistics and supply chains.
"We want to use technology to enhance efficiency, not to create unemployment."
He added that the government has simplified bonded warehouse procedures, accelerated incentive disbursement, introduced deregulatory measures and is promoting public-private partnerships (PPPs), joint ventures and foreign direct investment (FDI) to support private sector-led growth.
Acknowledging inefficiencies at the country's ports, he said efforts are underway to reduce cargo clearance times and logistics costs for both imports and exports.
Six priorities for US$100b exports
During a session titled "The Policies That Can Give Us the Leverage We Need", Policy Exchange Bangladesh Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr M Masrur Riaz said that while the ready-made garment (RMG) industry remains one of Bangladesh's greatest economic success stories, heavy dependence on a narrow export base has created new vulnerabilities.
To achieve US$100 billion in apparel exports, he outlined six strategic priorities.
Rethink investment strategy
Anchorless Bangladesh Founder and Managing Partner Rahat Ahmed said Bangladesh's business environment has changed fundamentally in recent years, requiring family-owned businesses and conglomerates to rethink their capital management strategies.
He said the traditional approach of building every new business internally is no longer sufficient because the country lacks an adequate pool of experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders.
He urged business groups to establish professionally managed family offices or dedicated investment arms to diversify investments across start-ups, private equity and other high-potential sectors.
According to him, professionally managed investment structures - with boards, co-investors, independent audits and regular financial oversight - would ensure greater transparency, accountability and stronger risk management.
Capital market can drive industrial financing
Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar urged entrepreneurs, particularly in the textile and apparel sector, to look beyond bank borrowing and use the capital market as a long-term source of finance.
"Many see the low contribution of the capital market as a weakness. I see it as a huge opportunity."
She said Bangladesh remains heavily dependent on banks for corporate financing, whereas developed economies rely much more on equity markets.
"Only about one per cent of financing is currently being channelled through the capital market. There is enormous scope to expand its role in supporting economic growth."
She said equity financing gives businesses greater financial flexibility than bank loans and supports sustainable expansion.
Currently, 58 textile companies are listed on the DSE, making the sector one of the exchange's largest.
Addressing concerns over delays in initial public offerings (IPOs), she said recent reforms have significantly shortened the approval process.
"Previously, IPO approvals took around 18 months. Under the new framework, applicants will receive a 'yes' or 'no' decision within 50 days."
She added that the DSE is working with regulators to make the capital market more transparent and efficient while maintaining rigorous due diligence to protect investors.
The closing day of the two-day summit featured discussions on the future of Bangladesh's apparel industry, workforce transformation, data-driven decision-making, investment, finance and technological innovation. Speakers included Bangladesh Employers' Federation President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, PwC Bangladesh Country Managing Partner Shams Zaman, former BGMEA President Faruque Hassan, along with policymakers and industry leaders.