(Last updated: 30 Mar 2012)

Current business situation

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Bangladesh. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Country facts

(Source: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - Country economic fact sheet)

Economic climate

The 1990s have witnessed a dramatic change in the economic structure and profile of Bangladesh. There has been a major shift in economic policy and management, away from the state-led, socialist ideology of the past towards the creation of a more liberal, market economy.

For the latest key economic indicators and statistics, please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet.

Political climate

Bangladesh has a democratic form of government and the Prime Minister is the executive head of the country. Although the President is the Head of the State officially, no decisions can be made without the consent of the Prime Minister. In recent years, the army has played a strictly military role and has shown no interest in political matters, unless there is a serious breakdown in law and order.

All major political parties including main oppositions, Awami League, Jatiya Party, main ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and jamet-e islami coalition, are in favour of privatisation, trade liberalisation and foreign investment.

Trade relations and statistics

Bangladesh is a strong believer in trade alliances with its neighbouring countries and was the main initiator for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The South Asian Preferential Trade Agreement is an agreement between seven SAARC member countries for preferential trade, which is under process of formal acceptance by all member countries.

Please see the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade country economic fact sheet for key trade statistics.