Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday announced a series of initiatives aimed at boosting foreign investment and expanding public sector employment, including a 1.5 per cent incentive for individuals who successfully bring foreign direct investment (FDI) into Bangladesh and a plan to begin recruitment for vacant government posts soon.
Responding to a question from MP Joharat Adeeb Chowdhury during the question-and-answer session in Parliament, the Prime Minister said anyone - Bangladeshi or foreign - who facilitates foreign investment in the country will be eligible for a 1.5 per cent consultancy fee or commission. He said the move is designed to encourage expatriate Bangladeshis and skilled professionals to actively contribute to attracting foreign investors.
The Prime Minister said foreign investors had previously faced difficulties in repatriating dividends, which discouraged investment. However, he added that the government has addressed the issue through legislative reforms.
He also said the cabinet approved the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Incentive Scheme Policy 2026 on 4 June, aimed at making Bangladesh more attractive for foreign investors. Under the policy, individuals who bring investment into the country will receive financial incentives.
In addition, the Prime Minister highlighted ongoing reforms to simplify the investment process. He said import and export registration certificates are now being issued online in shorter timeframes by the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports. The export policy has been updated, while the Import Policy Order 2026-2029 is being revised to ease market access for foreign investors. Steps have also been taken to remove non-tariff barriers linked to export production, and import payment procedures are being simplified, including allowing imports without Letters of Credit under contract-based arrangements.
Replying to separate questions in Parliament, the Prime Minister also announced that the government will begin recruitment processes soon to fill vacant posts in the public sector, saying that filling these positions is essential to improve service delivery and administrative efficiency.
He said the government is reviewing existing vacancies and will start recruitment “as soon as possible.” He further stated that recruitment is already underway for 2,879 vacant posts under the Ministry of Public Administration and its subordinate offices.
The Prime Minister also informed Parliament that the government has decided to recruit a total of 5 lakh government employees in phases to strengthen public service delivery.
On governance and development issues, he said the government believes in balanced development across the country.
Referring to discussions in a parliamentary committee meeting attended by the Leader of the Opposition, he said he had instructed the LGRD minister and state minister to ensure that opposition lawmakers who did not receive Eid-related assistance would be covered.
He added that both ruling and opposition MPs should be supported equally so they can contribute to development in their respective constituencies, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive governance.
