Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), on Sunday invited both local and foreign investors to come forward to revive state-owned industrial enterprises through private investment.
Stressing that the private sector is best suited for running commercial entities, he noted that the government's primary role should be to facilitate private investment rather than competing with it.
In a post shared on his official LinkedIn account on Sunday, the BIDA chief highlighted that this initiative would provide investors with quick business expansion opportunities via ready infrastructure or "plug-and-play" facilities. At the same time, it will relieve fiscal pressure on the government and generate new employment opportunities, making it a win-win scenario for both parties.
According to the BIDA Chairman, a total of 44 investable opportunities has already been identified across various state agencies. These opportunities span sectors including steel, textiles, chemicals, sugar, food, and jute, covering an aggregate land area of over 10,000 acres.
Ashik emphasized that these industrial assets are strategically located within critical industrial zones across the country rather than being isolated properties. In most cases, these sites already boast essential infrastructure—such as electricity, gas, and transportation links—alongside an established industry-oriented workforce and community.
Discussions are currently underway with domestic and international investors regarding the productive reuse of these assets. While some enterprises may be restarted within their original sectors, other assets could be repurposed for new industries aimed at reducing import dependency or boosting export capabilities.
To facilitate this transition, the BIDA Chief assured investors of a transparent framework, fast-tracked approvals, and integrated assistance during the asset acquisition process.
Interested investors can access the comprehensive list and detailed information on the investable assets through the designated online portal.