By Md. Liton Ahmed
President, U.S. Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (USBCCI)
Transitions in government are always significant, but what truly determines a nation’s direction is what happens immediately after. For Bangladesh, the first 120 days of a newly elected administration will be more than an adjustment period — they will act as the foundation for the country’s economic, institutional, and global trajectory over the next five years.
This early phase will influence public confidence, shape investor expectations, and define how international partners interpret Bangladesh’s policy priorities. In a rapidly evolving global environment, where economies compete for capital, credibility, and partnerships, early governance decisions matter immensely.
Early Decisions Shape Economic Confidence
Financial markets and business communities respond quickly to signals from a new government. Policy clarity, institutional consistency, and reform momentum help create a stable environment for both local and foreign investment.
Bangladesh enters this phase with strong economic potential but also faces several pressures common to emerging economies: inflation concerns, exchange rate instability, global supply chain challenges, and shifting financial conditions worldwide. Addressing these realities early will determine whether confidence strengthens or uncertainty grows.
A clear roadmap in the first 120 days reassures businesses and citizens alike. Ambiguity, however, risks slowing investment and delaying growth.
From Promises to Policy Action
Election commitments often focus on development, employment, and transparency. The credibility of those promises depends on how quickly they translate into measurable action once governance begins.
The first months should reflect concrete progress in:
- Modernizing administrative systems and expanding digital governance
- Simplifying regulations to improve the ease of doing business
- Strengthening accountability and anti-corruption enforcement
- Maintaining fiscal discipline while prioritizing development spending
Reform is most effective when momentum begins early. Waiting too long often reduces impact and weakens public trust.
Unlocking the Potential of a Young Workforce
Bangladesh’s youth population is one of its strongest assets. With the right policies, this demographic strength can drive productivity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
But opportunity must be matched with job creation. Early government initiatives supporting SMEs, startups, export-oriented industries, and technology sectors can accelerate employment and long-term competitiveness.
The private sector is prepared to play a central role, but it requires a predictable and transparent policy environment to invest with confidence.
Strengthening Diaspora and Global Engagement
Interest from Non-Resident Bangladeshis and global investors remains strong. Many are eager to contribute capital, expertise, and partnerships to Bangladesh’s growth story.
However, investment decisions depend heavily on policy stability, regulatory clarity, and institutional efficiency. The government’s actions in its initial months can either reinforce global confidence or create hesitation.
A transparent tax structure, streamlined regulatory processes, and investor-friendly reforms during this early window can significantly boost foreign direct investment and diaspora engagement.
A Strategic Moment in Bangladesh’s Development Journey
The first 120 days of governance represent a rare policy window — a period when direction can be set, reforms initiated, and credibility established.
Bangladesh is at a critical stage in its economic transformation, especially as it moves beyond LDC status and competes more directly in global markets. Strategic leadership, disciplined decision-making, and institutional accountability during this time can strengthen the country’s long-term stability and competitiveness.
These early months will reveal whether governance is driven by urgency or caution, clarity or uncertainty, reform or delay.
The choices made now will not only influence the present.
They will shape Bangladesh’s path for years to come.
