19 June 2026, 00:00 AM
18 June 2026, 23:11 PM
Star Business Report
Energy shortages, particularly the scarcity of natural gas, remain the single biggest challenge facing both local and foreign investors in Bangladesh, Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), said yesterday.“The problems faced by foreign investors are very similar to those faced by domestic investors. The biggest issue is energy, especially gas,” he said in response to questions from reporters at a workshop on the state of Bangladesh’s investment at Bida’s office.Chowdhury said gas shortages have hit factories the hardest, while investors also continue to face challenges related to electricity supply and regulatory complexities at the National Board of Revenue (NBR).Bida has been spending a significant portion of its time on energy-related initiatives because energy constraints have become a major bottleneck to investment and economic growth, he added.
The energy challenge sits at the core of a broader investment push the government has outlined in the proposed budget for FY2026-27
