CHATTOGRAM, Aug 20, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM), has launched a comprehensive survey to identify investment opportunities, industrial potential and challenges facing businesses across Bangladesh.

The initiative was discussed today at a divisional workshop held at Hotel Agrabad in Chattogram, as part of a series of eight divisional workshops aimed at gathering information directly from investors, businesses, chambers and other stakeholders, said a press release.

The BIDA-led survey, funded by ADB with technical support from SANEM, seeks to establish an updated and consolidated database of domestic and foreign investment, identify priority sectors and help formulate evidence-based policies.

Speaking at the workshop, SANEM Executive Director and Dhaka University Professor Dr Selim Raihan said reliable information is essential for sound policymaking and effective investment promotion.

He said information on businesses and investors is currently scattered among different government agencies, investment promotion bodies, chambers and business associations. A unified database would enable policymakers to identify priority sectors, understand industrial developments and determine areas requiring greater support.

SANEM Programme Director Zubayer Hossen said the survey would collect information on establishments, employment, investment and challenges faced by investors.

He said an initial mapping based on information from BIDA, BEZA, BEPZA and Bangladesh Bank showed a significant geographical concentration of investment information in Dhaka and Chattogram, while other divisions, including Rangpur, remained relatively underrepresented.

The survey, he said, would help BIDA regularly maintain investor records, develop investor profiles and assess whether existing policies and services are working effectively on the ground.

BIDA Executive Member (Additional Secretary) Md Humayun Kabir said the grassroots-level survey would help identify area-specific investment potential and ensure that regional realities are reflected in policymaking.

He stressed the need for a cultural shift as Bangladesh moves from an agrarian economy towards an industrial society, saying the country needs to focus more on skills rather than merely formal qualifications.

Kabir also highlighted the importance of improving investment facilitation and strengthening the One Stop Service (OSS). Referring to the government's Invest Bangladesh initiative, he said investment-related services and stakeholders need to be brought under a more coordinated framework.

He said export diversification should receive greater attention, while policy continuity, regular research and stronger academia-industry linkages are also essential for sustainable investment-led growth.

ADB Bangladesh Public Sector Economist Tasnim Alam said Bangladesh's upcoming graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category makes it particularly important to conduct a proper needs assessment during the remaining preparatory period.

He said improving the ease of doing business should now be a priority, while Bangladesh needs to strengthen its capacity to use data, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies for investment and policymaking.

Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mohammed Amirul Haque stressed the need to develop skilled manpower, infrastructure and technology-related capabilities, particularly among the younger generation.

He also called for greater economic opportunities for women and increased investment in renewable energy, particularly solar power.