World Bank
2025
Annual indicator estimates retain their reporting year and definition.
Read official source — World Bank; opens in a new tabBangladesh / Planning guide
Bangladesh: A Business Country Profile
Start with national context, then define the customers and location your business can serve.
Step 01
Read indicators consistently
The existing World Bank indicators remain the national starting point. Show a reporting year and definition with every figure.
- Keep annual population estimates separate from census results.
- Distinguish current-price GDP from real economic growth.
- Do not treat population as your addressable market.
Step 02
Translate context into customer research
Define the product, buyer, geography and distribution route before estimating accessible demand.
- Validate willingness to pay and procurement criteria.
- Separate domestic sales from export production.
- Record evidence gaps and the work needed to close them.
Evidence & further reading
Sources for this guide.
Content reference check: 2026-11-02. Reporting periods differ. Check current rules and project-specific requirements before acting.
A common question.
Should a country profile repeat every available statistic?
No. Include indicators that change the investor decision, with their definitions and dates. Link to the evidence register for detail.
Related support
Continue exploring
Build a broader view.
Assessing the Bangladesh Market
Read guidePlanning Your Business Establishment
Read guidePlanning Business Operations in Bangladesh
Read guideClimate, Site Selection and Business Continuity
Read guideChoosing a Location and Logistics Route
Read guideEPZs, Economic Zones and Location Choice
Read guideFinancing, Banking Preparation and Repatriation
Read guideWorkforce, Recruitment and Skills Planning
Read guideExport Markets, Preferences and Transition Planning
Read guideBuilding an Operating-Cost Comparison
Read guideChecking Investment Incentive Eligibility
Read guideForeign ownership in Bangladesh
Build a business you can fully own.
100% foreign ownership
Available in eligible sectors
100% foreign ownership is permitted in most sectors in Bangladesh. An eligible business can establish a wholly foreign-owned company without a local equity partner.
Eligibility depends on the business activity. Reserved or restricted activities, sector-specific ownership rules, licences and regulatory approvals must be checked before incorporation or investment.
Do I need a local shareholder?
For an activity eligible for wholly foreign-owned incorporation, a local equity partner is not generally required. The proposed activities and applicable sector rules must be reviewed first. Ownership eligibility does not replace company registration, operating licences or other required approvals.
Source: BIDA investment FAQ (opens in a new tab) · Checked 2 November 2026
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