The government plans to introduce a single online portal for issuing trade licences and a coordinated inspection system to reduce administrative delays, costs and harassment for businesses, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has said.
The government is also considering extending trade licence validity and replacing the existing licence with a "business registration certificate" or a similar document to simplify procedures and improve service delivery, he informed.
Speaking at the first meeting of the National Task Force on "Deregulation and Business Facilitation" at the Finance Division conference room in the Secretariat yesterday, the minister stressed the need to remove unnecessary barriers to business operations and create a more investment-friendly environment.
The meeting, chaired by Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, reviewed progress on initiatives to reduce business costs, remove unnecessary regulations, simplify administrative procedures and improve conditions for domestic and foreign investment.
Currently, trade licences are issued separately by union parishads, municipalities and city corporations. Under the proposed system, businesses would be able to submit applications and required documents, pay fees and obtain licences online through a single portal, without visiting the relevant offices.
The task force also discussed simplifying the renewal of work permits and security clearances for foreign employees.
Muktadir said foreign nationals working in Bangladesh are generally employed by legitimate, registered businesses that pay taxes and whose managing directors or directors are legal citizens of the country.
He said it was unacceptable for such companies to face unnecessary complications in renewing security clearances despite submitting applications and required certifications.
The minister called for discussions and coordination with the Home Ministry to make the renewal process more transparent, efficient and straightforward.
Joint inspections planned
The government is also planning to introduce a coordinated inspection system under the leadership of the Invest Bangladesh Authority to reduce repeated inspections by different agencies.
Under the proposed arrangement, inspections covering building safety, fire safety and environmental compliance would be conducted jointly on a pre-scheduled date, with representatives of the relevant agencies and the Invest Bangladesh Authority participating.
The initiative is expected to reduce the need for multiple visits to the same establishment, saving businesses time and money while reducing administrative hassles.
The meeting identified five priority sectors for reviewing and simplifying business-related approvals, permits and licences, where delays and overlapping responsibilities among agencies have created obstacles. The initiative will gradually be expanded to other sectors.
Muktadir stressed the need to eliminate unnecessary restrictions, lengthy approval procedures and poor coordination among government agencies.
He urged the relevant authorities to work together to ensure transparent, accountable and efficient public services for investors.
Focus on regulatory reform
The meeting was attended by task force members, including Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, Law Minister Asaduzzaman and Invest Bangladesh Chairman Ashik Chowdhury.
Senior officials from the National Board of Revenue, Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission, Finance Division, Ministry of Shipping and the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms also attended. Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry President and other senior officials were present.
The task force emphasised administrative reforms, expanded digital services and stronger coordination among government agencies to make business and investment services faster and more accessible.
The government expects the proposed measures to reduce the time and cost of doing business and strengthen Bangladesh's investment climate.