With Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus heading the interim government, Bangladesh right now enjoys a global goodwill that is both unprecedented and crucial. FILE PHOTO: REUTERS
In a nationally televised address marking both Independence Day and Eid-ul-Fitr, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's Interim Government Prof Muhammad Yunus outlined sweeping reforms aimed at accelerating foreign investment, digitalising government services, and empowering the country's youth.
The speech highlighted the growing international interest in Bangladesh since the interim administration assumed office, citing ongoing engagements with major global investors. Companies such as DP World, PSA Singapore, and AP Moller Maersk have proposed multi-billion dollar investments, particularly in port and logistics infrastructure.
"We hope to see new foreign investments in the country very soon," the Chief Advisor said, adding that global leaders had shown increasing enthusiasm since Bangladesh's participation in the UN General Assembly last September and more recently at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he attended 47 separate engagements.
Among proposed international partnerships, a significant initiative with the United Arab Emirates was announced. The UAE has expressed interest in developing an industrial zone in Bangladesh, starting with halal meat and fish processing plants, and potentially managing a new seaport.
The Chief Advisor also revealed he would travel to China for a four-day visit, including a meeting with President Xi Jinping and discussions with CEOs of major Chinese companies. Talks are ongoing with Longji, the world's largest solar panel manufacturer, about setting up production facilities in Bangladesh.
Digital reform and anti-corruption measures
Central to the address was the government's drive to reduce corruption through technological reform. "No citizen should have to physically appear at a government office for routine services," the Chief Advisor stated, announcing the rollout of e-filing systems across all ministries.
Efforts to digitalise land services and streamline passport issuance are already underway. Since removing the requirement for police verification, 70,000 pending passports have been processed, with electronic passport delivery now being piloted for home deliveries.
The Chief Advisor said that expatriate Bangladeshis were benefiting from online ticketing, which has helped reduce airfare costs by up to 75 percent. Changes to power of attorney rules were also introduced to ease bureaucratic burdens on citizens abroad.
Legal reforms and civil liberties
Addressing past political repression, the government has moved to dismiss thousands of what it called "harassment cases" filed under the previous administration. So far, 6,295 politically motivated cases have been recommended for withdrawal, alongside 413 cases filed under the controversial Cyber Security Act, which the government plans to repeal in favour of a new "citizen-friendly" version.
Citizens can now file General Diaries (GDs) online, avoiding the need for police station visits. The government also called for public input on how to improve access to digital public services.
Youth, technology and the future
Highlighting Bangladesh's demographic advantage, the Chief Advisor emphasised the government's commitment to empowering the country's large youth population through digital infrastructure and entrepreneurship.
A new 'Youth Entrepreneurship Policy 2025' has been introduced to position young people as drivers of economic and environmental progress. The policy aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and aims to recognise the social contributions of youth-led enterprises.
The Chief Advisor mentioned talks with Starlink founder Elon Musk about expanding satellite internet coverage to Bangladesh. A commercial agreement is expected within three months, which could provide high-speed internet access to even the most remote areas of the country.
"If Starlink is launched, no government in the future will have any opportunity to shut down internet service and lock people's information," he said.
Improving the Hajj experience
The address also detailed a new mobile app designed to assist Bangladeshi pilgrims during Hajj. The application will offer real-time guidance in Bengali, financial tools, a luggage tracker, daily prayer reminders, and access to medical support.
The Chief Advisor concluded by urging the public to share suggestions for improving online services and called on those with the means to become service providers from anywhere in the world.
