Slow registration processes stymies business growth

The problem that is not receiving as much attention as it should is the slow and bureaucratic nature of business registration and licensing in Bangladesh, which is undermining the country's ambition to become a viable investment destination. For most entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, the journey from idea to operation is often delayed by excessive paperwork, lengthy approval processes, and fragmented regulatory requirements. Such inefficiencies not only increase the cost of starting a business but also discourage the creation of new enterprises at a time when the economy desperately needs entrepreneurship-driven growth.
The issue begins with the absence of a cohesive and streamlined system. More often than not, entrepreneurs are forced to navigate multiple agencies, each with different documentation requirements, fees, and in-person visits. For foreign investors, these delays create uncertainty and weaken Bangladesh's competitiveness compared to regional peers that have implemented faster, digital-first regulatory frameworks.
These bottlenecks have significant economic consequences. When the business registration process is slow, new companies are unable to hire, produce, or generate profits in a timely manner. For startups, prolonged waiting periods often strain financial resources and reduce the likelihood of survival during the early stages. Larger ventures, meanwhile, frequently delay expansion plans due to uncertainty surrounding licensing approvals. Ultimately, these inefficiencies dampen private-sector dynamism, limit employment opportunities, and weaken the country's overall investment climate.
Regulatory modernization is therefore an urgent necessity to unlock sustainable business development. First, registration and licensing procedures should be fully digitized, with automated verification systems to minimize human intervention and reduce delays. Second, all business-related processes should be consolidated into a true one-stop service, eliminating the need to deal with multiple agencies. Third, clear service-level timelines should be enforced to ensure accountability and predictability. Finally, regulatory authorities must invest in capacity building so that staff can effectively adapt to digital systems and provide consistent, high-quality service.
A faster and more transparent registration system is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a strategic imperative for Bangladesh's economic future. Removing these administrative barriers will allow the country to unlock its entrepreneurial potential, enhance its attractiveness to investors, and build a more dynamic and competitive business environment.

Moriom Parvin Tinni
Student
North South University
moriom.tinni@northsouth.edu