The government is working to make Bangladesh’s investment climate more business-friendly by simplifying and accelerating licensing and approval procedures, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said on Sunday.
To prevent investment projects from being delayed due to lengthy approval processes, the government is considering introducing a system of temporary approvals that would allow investors to begin preliminary operations before obtaining final clearances, he said.
The government is also developing a centralized online “one-stop window” platform to streamline regulatory services and reduce the need for investors to visit multiple agencies for approvals.
The remarks came during a courtesy meeting with a delegation from the Japan-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JBCCI) at the Ministry of Commerce in Dhaka. The delegation was led by JBCCI President Tareq Rafi Bhuiyan. Commerce Secretary Md Ataur Rahman Khan was also present.
Speaking at the meeting, Muktadir acknowledged that completing all approval processes within a short time frame is not always feasible, particularly for industrial facilities and physical infrastructure projects that require extensive safety and regulatory assessments.
“Approval procedures for industrial establishments and physical infrastructure are directly linked to real-world construction and operational requirements. It is not possible in every case to complete the entire process within 15 days,” he said.
He explained that factors such as fire safety, risk management, environmental compliance and structural safety must be carefully reviewed before final authorization can be granted.
“Relevant authorities, including the Fire Service, will continue to conduct inspections and provide final approvals after proper evaluation,” he added.
According to the commerce minister, the government’s objective is not to bypass regulatory safeguards but to ensure that investment activities can proceed without unnecessary delays while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Muktadir said the government has already developed a roadmap to shorten approval timelines and is now focusing on sector-specific licensing reforms.
Different industries require different types of permits and documentation, he noted, making it impractical to adopt a single licensing framework across all sectors.
“A power plant and a textile factory do not require the same approval process. Each sector has unique regulatory requirements, and our reforms are being designed accordingly,” he said.
The government is currently reviewing licensing procedures across multiple industries to identify areas where administrative processes can be streamlined without compromising oversight.
One of the major challenges frequently cited by investors is the need to undergo multiple inspections by different agencies.
To address this issue, the government plans to strengthen coordination through the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida).
Under the proposed system, Bida will coordinate inspection schedules and bring all relevant agencies together for a single, integrated inspection process.
“Bida will determine inspection dates, coordinate with the concerned institutions and ensure that inspections are conducted under a unified framework. Investors should not have to repeatedly approach different agencies for the same project,” Muqtadir said.
The initiative is expected to reduce administrative burdens, cut processing times and improve the overall ease of doing business in Bangladesh.
The commerce minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to establish a centralized digital platform where investors can access multiple government services from a single portal.
The proposed one-stop window system will allow businesses to submit applications, upload documents, monitor approval status and communicate with relevant authorities through an integrated online platform.
Officials believe the initiative will improve transparency, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and make regulatory processes more efficient for both local and foreign investors.
During the discussion, Muktadir also outlined the government’s position on electric vehicles (EVs), saying Bangladesh aims to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and move toward a more sustainable transport system.
He said recent energy market disruptions have highlighted the economic costs and supply risks associated with heavy reliance on diesel and petroleum-based fuels.
“The recent energy crisis has demonstrated that excessive dependence on imported fossil fuels can become both expensive and vulnerable during periods of global uncertainty,” he said.
The government intends to gradually increase the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles as part of its broader sustainability agenda.
However, Muktadir noted that Bangladesh is not yet fully prepared for a complete transition to electric mobility due to existing infrastructure limitations.
“Considering current realities, the government will place greater emphasis on the import and use of plug-in hybrid vehicles in the near term,” he said, adding that there is positive sentiment within the Cabinet regarding the future expansion of electric transportation.
During the meeting, the JBCCI delegation emphasized the importance of facilitating Japanese investment in Bangladesh through simplified licensing procedures, enhanced trade cooperation and greater support for industrial development.
The delegation also highlighted the need to promote sustainable technologies and improve the overall investment ecosystem to attract more foreign businesses.
In response, Muktadir described Japan as one of Bangladesh’s most important development partners and a longstanding trade and investment ally.
“Japan has played a significant role in Bangladesh’s development journey. We remain committed to ensuring a more transparent, efficient and investor-friendly business environment for Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh,” he said.
The government expects that ongoing reforms in licensing, digital services and institutional coordination will help attract greater foreign direct investment and strengthen Bangladesh’s competitiveness as an investment destination in the coming years.
