Challenges for the new government

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has won the 13th national elections and is set to form the next government. The most important challenges the new government must address include the economy and employment. Citizens expect decisive steps toward building a "New Bangladesh."

 

Inflation directly affects Bangladesh's economic stability. As of January this year, the prices of essential food items have risen by 7.8%, which has particularly increased the daily living costs for middle- and lower-income families. The impact is visible everywhere; ordinary people are forced to spend more on basic items such as rice, oil, lentils, and vegetables.

 

The new government can adopt effective policies to address this situation. Key measures include strengthening market price monitoring and control systems. Regular monitoring and transparent regulation of the prices of rice, lentils, oil, and fresh vegetables are essential. Additionally, increasing local production is a long-term solution. By introducing modern technology in agriculture, improving irrigation systems, enhancing seed quality, and providing greater support to local farmers, food production can be increased. These initiatives will not only expand market supply and reduce inflationary pressure but also ensure national food security.

 

 

To boost economic growth and create new jobs, it is crucial to make the investment environment more attractive and accessible. According to the World Bank's 2025 report, Bangladesh ranks 135th out of 180 countries in the Ease of Doing Business index, highlighting persistent complexities in the investment climate. The new government can take steps to address this.

 

One major initiative is to fully digitize licensing and approval processes to reduce time, costs, and administrative bottlenecks for businesses. Simplifying the tax structure and maintaining pre-determined tax rates will also increase investor confidence and facilitate long-term planning. Moreover, expanding Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can attract foreign investment. Providing modern infrastructure, favorable policies, and tax incentives in these zones will strengthen the country's economic landscape and generate employment through new industrial establishments.

 

Approximately 35% of Bangladesh's population is under 25, representing a significant workforce potential. However, failing to fully utilize this potential could lead to rising unemployment and increased socio-economic pressure. Unemployment among highly educated youth has become a serious problem, hindering the full utilization of human resources. Therefore, creating suitable employment opportunities for youth should be a top priority for the new government.

 

The government can undertake various effective initiatives. First, implement training and internship programs in digital and technology sectors to help young people acquire modern skills and enhance their employability in both international and domestic markets. Second, provide favorable loans and financial support for startups and small entrepreneurs, enabling them to launch new businesses and create job opportunities. Additionally, the government should set an annual target of creating 200,000 new jobs, providing employment opportunities within the country and reducing migration pressures.

 

Approximately 60% of Bangladesh's population lives in rural areas, forming a critical part of the economy. Rural livelihoods depend on agriculture, small businesses, and cottage industries, which contribute to food security and local economic stability. Therefore, prioritizing rural economic development is essential to ensure that lower-income populations also benefit from prosperity and to reduce pressure on urban areas.

 

 

The government can support rural entrepreneurs through various measures. First, expanding rural loans and microfinance programs will enable small business owners to invest and expand their enterprises. Second, improving product quality and expanding distribution channels in local markets will allow rural products to reach other regions and obtain fair prices. Additionally, implementing advanced crop preservation technologies is essential to reduce post-harvest losses, sustain long-term production, and increase farmers' incomes. These initiatives will strengthen rural economies, enhance overall economic stability, and promote social development. In the long term, this approach will create jobs, empower local entrepreneurs, and make rural youth self-reliant.

 

Effective measures could include expanding digital customs clearance systems to make import and export processes faster and more transparent. Operating the port on a 24/7 basis will ensure uninterrupted logistics, especially during peak demand periods. Moreover, the government can set a target to reduce export costs through the port by 10% by 2025, making domestic products more competitive internationally. These measures will benefit businesses, reduce trade costs, strengthen the economy, increase industrial employment, and enhance Bangladesh's global trade position.

 

Bangladesh's industrial zones and Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are key drivers of economic growth. Production in these zones increases export capacity, strengthens the economy, and generates employment. However, many EPZs remain partially unplanned and inefficient, limiting their full potential. The new government can play a leading role in revitalizing this sector.

 

A key initiative is the reopening of closed factories. Currently, around 45 factories are shut down, and reopening them could create approximately 35,000 new jobs. Modernization and adoption of sustainable technologies in these factories are also essential to increase production capacity, reduce costs, and maintain international standards. Additionally, government support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can further strengthen the industrial sector and empower local entrepreneurs. These initiatives will generate new employment, boost export capacity, and ensure long-term economic stability and prosperity.

 

The new government must adopt cautious, effective, and timely policies in the areas of economy and employment. Controlling inflation, creating an investment-friendly environment, generating jobs for youth, supporting small entrepreneurs and rural economies, improving port efficiency, and revitalizing EPZs and industrial zones-together, these measures can play a pioneering role in building a creative and prosperous New Bangladesh. Notably, if 200,000 new jobs are created annually and export costs are reduced by 10%, the GDP growth rate could reach 8% within the next five years. This would not only drive economic progress but also ensure social stability and improved living standards.