FDI rises 19% in year after uprising: BIDA

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh rose by 19.13% in the first year following the July uprising, according to a data revealed by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) on Monday (November 3).

According to World Bank analysis, countries that experienced uprisings in recent years saw steep drops in FDI the following year — including Sri Lanka (–19.49% after 2022), Chile (–25.68% after 2019), Sudan (–27.60% after 2021), Ukraine (–61.21% after 2014), Egypt (–107.55% after 2011), and Indonesia (–161.49% after 1998).

BIDA described Bangladesh’s growth as an exceptional case, reflecting international confidence in the country’s economic resilience and investment-friendly environment.

BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said, “Bangladesh’s greatest strength lies in its ability to rebound against all odds. The rise in FDI is proof of that.”

He added, “Usually, foreign investment slumps after political upheaval, but we have witnessed the opposite. Sound economic policies, the effective roles of Bangladesh Bank and NBR, and the private sector’s resilience have driven this achievement.”

Ashik Chowdhury noted that efforts were made to assist investors despite challenges and said a detailed annual “report card” on investment performance will be released soon.