Additional resources
Understanding how economics, politics and government intersect can help businesses navigate the Bangladesh market with confidence. This chapter outlines key institutions, economic zones, essential contacts and support resources for business success.
Bangladesh country information
Politics and government
Bangladesh is a constitutional republic with a multi‑party parliamentary democracy. The President serves as the head of state elected by members of parliament for a maximum of two five-year terms. The President appoints a Prime Minister who heads the cabinet and leads the house in parliament.
Local government in Bangladesh is enshrined in the constitution and organised under 64 administrative districts, which are further divided into rural, local and hill districts, all of which have similar functions and responsibilities. Elections for all types of local governments are generally held every five years.
Bangladesh’s political environment is changing. After more than 15 years in power, the Awami League was ousted following a mass uprising in 2024. Democratic elections in 2026 resulted in a landslide victory for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which has popular support to execute an ambitious reform agenda. While the new government’s reform agenda aims to address economic, political and social issues which previously hindered investment and development, their implementation capacity remains unproven. Previous reform efforts in Bangladesh have often been slowed by institutional constraints, bureaucratic complexity and political resistance.
Legal system
Bangladesh’s legal framework is based on English Common Law. The judiciary comprises a Supreme Court with Appellate and High Court divisions, alongside subordinate civil and criminal courts. While the structure aims to provide a predictable environment, the judicial system often functions slowly and lacks independence from the executive branch. However, the BNP’s reform agenda has stated its intention to strengthen independence and accountability of the judiciary.
Foreign investors commonly prefer international arbitration over domestic litigation, particularly for energy and infrastructure projects. These contracts often include international arbitration clauses under recognised rules such as ICC, SIAC or UNCITRAL. Businesses should obtain legal advice before entering into contracts with state entities or state‑owned enterprises.
Bangladesh’s Government and Judicial Structure
Key government agencies
Key government agencies and industry associations will need to be consulted throughout the process of setting up a business in Bangladesh. Some of these agencies can also be useful for providing advice and initiating contacts.
The main agencies and their areas of authority relating to foreign businesses are:
| Government agency | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) | Primary regulator for foreign investors and operator of the One Stop Service and BanglaBiz platforms which aim to streamline business services. Businesses can consult the BIDA for advice on commercial licences, work permits and approvals for outward remittances. |
| Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) | BEPZA develops and manages the country’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs). BEPZA can assist investors with information regarding incentives and customs procedures. |
| Joint Stock Companies and Firms (RJSC&F) | RJSC&F is the regulatory body which oversees name clearances and incorporation. Foreign investors in Bangladesh register new business entities through the RJSC&F. |
| National Board of Revenue (NBR) | The NBR administers direct and indirect taxes in Bangladesh. The NBR provides tax identification numbers to new businesses, oversees VAT tax registrations and manages customs duties. |
| Bangladesh Bank | As the country’s central bank, the Bangladesh Bank regulates the financial sector and oversees all foreign exchange transactions. The Bangladesh Bank provides account registration, foreign currency transfers and capital repatriation services for foreign investors. |
| Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) | The BEZA governs Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs) throughout the country. Businesses can consult the BEZA for information regarding land acquisitions and incentives, including zone-specific tax and customs benefits. |
| Chief Controller of Imports and Exports (CCIE) | The CCIE is responsible for regulating cross-border trade of goods and services. Businesses apply to the CCIE to obtain mandatory Import Registration Certificates and Export Registration Certificates before they may begin exporting. |
Special Economic Zones and Export Processing Zones
While Bangladesh is developing a robust network of SEZs to attract investment, its industrial growth is anchored by its EPZs, the first of which was established in Chattogram in 1983. SEZs are categorised into different types which dictate the incentives offered to foreign investors. These include zones developed to promote tourism, technology and public-private partnerships.
Bangladesh now regulates eight EPZs, managed by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA). These zones are designed to provide the services and opportunities needed by export-oriented businesses, such as government services, utilities and more developed logistics networks. Plans are in place to expand the EPZ system. To operate in an EPZ an entity must register with the BEPZA and focus primarily on export-oriented production. Businesses in EPZs are eligible for tax holidays, import duty exemptions and special privileges for capital and profit repatriation.
Bangladesh EPZ Map
The Brunei-Australia bilateral relationship
Australia and Bangladesh marked 50 years of bilateral relations in 2022. Australia has a long history of development cooperation with Bangladesh, including strategic partnerships with non-governmental organisations and support for social reform. Initiatives are focused on addressing poverty, promoting sustainable economic development and humanitarian aid.
Bangladesh is a valued and fast-growing trading partner to Australia. The two countries signed the Australia-Bangladesh Trade and Investment Framework in 2021, providing a platform to strengthen trade policies and commercial opportunities. Bangladesh has duty-free and quota-free access to the Australian market until at least 2029. Further information on the bilateral relationship is available from DFAT.
Useful contacts and support resources
Government organisations
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
DFAT manages Australia’s international network, including in Bangladesh. Australia has a High Commission office in Dhaka.
Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
Austrade is the Australian Government agency responsible for facilitating international trade and investment. Austrade can provide advice on the market, potential in-market partners and export marketing services. Austrade has an office in Dhaka.
Export Finance Australia (EFA)
EFA provides information, support and export finance solutions to Australian businesses looking to expand overseas.
State government agencies
Many state government agencies have representatives or offices in South Asia, including Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales.
Business and industry associations
Australia Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry
The Australian Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ABCCI) promotes trade and investment between Bangladesh and Australia. ABCCI coordinates a regular program of business seminars, networking and social functions for the business community in Bangladesh.
Australia Bangladesh Business Council
The Australia Bangladesh Business Council promotes bilateral trade and investment opportunities between Australia and Bangladesh. In addition to networking and cultural awareness programs, it offers a supply chain consultancy service for Australian businesses looking to enter Bangladesh.
Australia Bangladesh Business Forum
The Australia Bangladesh Business Forum is a not-for-profit social organization working for the Bengali community throughout Australia.
Export Council of Australia
The Export Council of Australia is the peak industry body for the Australian export community.
Programs and support
Go Global Toolkit
Austrade's Go Global Toolkit provides information, tools and support to grow your business globally through a range of digital platforms for every stage of the export journey.
Export Market Development Grants (EMDG)
Austrade seeks to help small to medium Australian enterprises grow their exports in international markets through their EMDG grant program.
Industry Growth Program
The Industry Growth Program supports innovative SMEs undertaking commercialisation or growth projects in the National Reconstruction Fund priority areas.
State or territory government trade and investment agencies may also run programs and provide support to businesses looking to expand into international markets. Please consult your relevant state or territory agency for more information.
References
A select list of sources used in the development of this publication are included below.
Aftership
Asia Floor Wage Alliance
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
Asian Development Bank
Austrade
Awahab & Co.
Bertelsmann Transformation Index
Billboard Ad Hub
BIPO
CEIC Data
Commonwealth Local Government Forum
Commisceo Global
Counsels Law
Cultural Atlas
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
DHL
Euromonitor International
Fitch Ratings
FM Global Resilience Index
Government of Bangladesh
Heritage Foundation
1idea Digital
International Monetary Fund
Italian Trade Commission
Katha, E.H. Bank Regulation and Supervision Practices in South Asia
Lloyds Bank Trade
Notre Dame Global Adaptation Initiative
Otterly.ai
Payoneer
PwC
Prothom Alo
Quest Legal Counsel
S&P Global Ratings
Transparency International
United Nations
United States Department of State
United States International Trade Administration
We Are Social
World Bank
World Trade Organization
A note on currency
All money amounts are in Australian dollars unless otherwise indicated.
Exchange rates used are the historical average rate for the previous twelve months.
AUD 1 = BDT 81.96
AUD 1 = USD 0.6673
BDT 1 = AUD 0.0122
Acknowledgements
Asialink Business gratefully acknowledges the assistance and information from the following organisations in the production of this Doing Business Guide:
Austrade
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Omar H. Khan, Advocate, Legal Counsel, Supreme Court of Bangladesh
Azeezur Rahman Khan, Founding Partner, A&A Global Consultants
Razib Mahbubul, Country Director, IDP Bangladesh
Disclaimer
This publication contains country and industry general information and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. While all efforts have been made by Asialink Business to ensure that the data and information provided herein are accurate, the accuracy of the information in the future cannot be guaranteed.
Users of this guide should undertake their own independent analysis and obtain appropriate professional advice, if required, before acting upon such information in any given situation. Asialink Business accepts no liability for any loss which may arise from the use of the information contained in this publication.
Reproduction of any part of this publication without prior written approval of Asialink Business is strictly prohibited. The information in this document is accurate as of July 2026.