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Prime Minister Tareq Rahman stated that the government is working to create a positive environment to develop the country into an attractive investment destination. He said that the government aims to ensure policy certainty and continuity of long-term policies for investors, as well as to transform Bangladesh into a strong hub for production and investment.
He made these remarks on Saturday (October 3) at the inaugural ceremony of the three-day ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation-2026’ held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital. The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) organized this international dialogue.
The Prime Minister stated that the government is working to create extensive employment opportunities in the manufacturing, service, and export sectors, and to strengthen the potential sectors of the economy. The government has a five-year action plan to implement the people’s mandate. Among its priorities are protecting national interests, ensuring policy continuity, maintaining economic stability, and undertaking institutional reforms. He also noted that the government is now moving from commitment to implementation.
Regarding social protection programs, the Prime Minister said that government assistance and services would be made more accessible to the public through ‘Family Cards’, ‘Farmer Cards’, and ‘Health Cards’. There are also plans to bring various government services under one umbrella in the future through a ‘Universal Card’.
Announcing an initiative to recruit one lakh healthcare workers in the health sector, he said that approximately 80 percent of them would be women. These workers will provide primary treatment, health advice, and referral services at the grassroots level as needed.
Emphasizing education and youth employment, the Prime Minister stated that technical and vocational education would be expanded alongside general education. Leveraging technology and artificial intelligence, opportunities for youth skill development and employment will be enhanced, along with support for innovation, entrepreneurship development, and the startup sector.
Referring to agriculture as one of the fundamental pillars of the country’s economy, he said that initiatives are being taken to simplify the use of technology, irrigation facilities, agricultural financing, and market linkages. Simultaneously, emphasis will be placed on increasing agricultural product processing and exports.
Regarding water security, the Prime Minister announced plans to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals and waterways over the next five years. Additionally, progress is being made on the Padma Barrage project, and work is underway to formulate the Teesta Master Plan.
He also announced a plan to plant 250 million trees over the next five years for environmental protection. The Prime Minister emphasized increasing the use of solar power, as well as waste recycling and the expansion of eco-friendly industries.
Regarding institutional reforms, he stated that transparency and accountability are being strengthened in state institutions. Initiatives have been taken to protect human rights, democratic values, and freedom of expression, as well as to ensure the rule of law is equally effective for everyone.
Addressing the Rohingya crisis, the Prime Minister said that Bangladesh continues to shelter approximately 1.2 million Rohingya refugees. International community’s political support and funding are required to ensure their swift, voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation. In his view, since the crisis originated in Myanmar, the solution must also lie in Myanmar.
Highlighting the potential of the Bay of Bengal, the Prime Minister stated that Bangladesh has the opportunity to become more deeply integrated with the global economy through the development of seaports, waterways, and coastal economies. He also noted that significant potential lies ahead for Bangladesh in shipping, fisheries, tourism, energy, and regional supply chains.
Emphasizing increased regional cooperation in trade, energy, education, technology, climate, and maritime sectors, the Prime Minister said that it is possible to open new markets and create more opportunities for youth.
He stated that Bangladesh believes in dialogue, partnership, and mutual respect. The government will work positively with regional and global partners while protecting national interests and sovereignty. He also mentioned that peace and harmony are the foundations of collective prosperity and development.
The theme of this year’s ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation’ is ‘Fragments, Frontiers, Futures: Navigating Power, Technology and Trust in a World Rewritten’. Over 200 speakers from more than 100 countries, 300 delegates, and over 1,000 participants are joining this event, which runs from October 3 to 5.