Corruption continues to be the most significant barrier to conducting business in Bangladesh, according to a survey carried out by the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
The survey, conducted during the regime of Sheikh Hasina, found that nearly 17% of businesses identified corruption as their primary challenge in 2024.
Exchange rate volatility was highlighted as the second most significant challenge, with other concerns including inefficient government bureaucracy, inflation, and restricted access to finance.
The survey, conducted from February to June this year, also brought attention to additional impediments such as inadequate infrastructure, deficient public health services, crime and theft, as well as low work ethics within the labour force.
Khondaker Golam Moazzem, research director at the CPD, presented the findings during a dialogue at Brac Centre Inn in Dhaka on Sunday (17 November).
Reflecting on the tenure of the previous regime, Dr Moazzem noted that there had been limited progress in improving the business environment, as business activities remained concentrated within a small number of dominant groups.
The CPD organised this event to discuss reforms in the Bangladeshi business environment.
Dr Moazzem stressed that the absence of substantial reforms in policy frameworks, legislation, institutions, and operational practices continues to stifle the development of a participatory and competitive business landscape.
The report further observed that businesses faced prolonged uncertainty due to the student-led movement against discrimination, with its repercussions persisting even after the country's transition to a new phase.
