Bangladesh Police on Monday announced a new initiative to provide foreign investors with direct access to a dedicated emergency contact line, allowing companies to report incidents and receive immediate support from law enforcement.
The move follows recent unrest on 7–8 April, during which several foreign companies operating in Bangladesh faced vandalism amid nationwide protests over Gaza. At least 140 people have been arrested and nearly a dozen cases filed in connection with the attacks in various cities.
The announcement came after a high-level meeting between Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun. They met with executives from companies impacted by the unrest, including Nestle Bangladesh, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages, Unilever Bangladesh, Bata Shoe Co. Bangladesh, Reckitt Benckiser Bangladesh, Pepsico, and Jubilant Food Works Bangladesh.
IGP Baharul Alam assured full cooperation from law enforcement, stating, “We are not here just to respond. We are here to build confidence and ensure that these disruptions do not repeat.”
The IGP's office confirmed that affected companies will now have direct access to a dedicated police emergency line, enabling them to report security threats or incidents in real-time and receive immediate assistance.
BIDA chief Ashik Chowdhury hailed the initiative as a landmark step in investor relations. “This wasn’t just a gesture—it was a statement. It shows that Bangladesh is serious about standing by its investors, especially when challenges arise,” he said. He added that businesses targeted during the unrest support thousands of livelihoods and emphasized the importance of protecting institutions that provide employment and economic stability.
During the meeting, business leaders shared accounts of the damage and disruptions caused by the protests. In response, police and BIDA officials jointly developed a set of preventive measures, including new security protocols, the formation of rapid response units, and improved crisis communication channels.
“This dialogue isn’t about reaction—it’s about prevention,” said Ashik Chowdhury. “It reflects the government’s promise to walk with our investors, not just during booms, but also during turbulence.”
Company representatives expressed appreciation for the swift and coordinated response from BIDA and the police, reaffirming their commitment to ongoing operations and expansion plans in Bangladesh.
The emergency support initiative is part of BIDA’s broader mission to ensure a secure, sustainable, and investor-friendly environment in Bangladesh, in line with the priorities of the Interim Government.
