Bangladesh Targets 14-Day Business Start-up Process as Government Pushes Reform Agenda

The Bangladesh government is working to simplify the process of establishing new businesses and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, with a target of enabling companies to commence operations within 14 days.

Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir outlined the initiative on Monday, saying the government is pursuing reforms aimed at making the country a more attractive destination for investment and manufacturing.

The minister noted that launching a business in Bangladesh previously took close to a year in many cases. Under the proposed reforms, the government aims to reduce the timeline to just two weeks. He indicated that, under an ideal scenario, a company would be able to open a letter of credit (LC) for importing machinery by the 15th day after beginning the registration process.

Addressing Bangladesh’s graduation from the United Nations’ Least Developed Country (LDC) category, Muktadir said the recommendation by the United Nations Committee for Development Policy (CDP) regarding the country’s transition timeline should be viewed as an opportunity for preparation rather than merely an extension.

He emphasised that the transition period should be used to strengthen institutional capacity, improve economic competitiveness, diversify production bases and prepare the economy for the realities of the post-LDC era.

The minister also highlighted changing global business priorities, noting that international buyers, investors and consumers are increasingly placing greater importance on stability, sustainable development, transparency, regulatory compliance and responsible business practices.

According to Muktadir, global supply chains are being reshaped by factors including environmental protection requirements, labour rights standards, human rights due diligence obligations, climate resilience considerations and evolving geopolitical dynamics.

He stated that countries capable of balancing economic growth with social responsibility and sustainability would be best positioned to succeed in the emerging global landscape. He added that the government remains committed to supporting this transformation.