SS Report
Dhaka, 15 October 2025:
To improve Bangladesh’s appeal to foreign investors and skilled professionals, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organised a workshop on “Work Permit and Security Clearance Process” at the BIDA Auditorium in Dhaka.
The event, supported by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), brought together key government entities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, to discuss reforms aimed at simplifying and streamlining existing procedures.
Bangladesh’s growing economy requires greater foreign expertise and investment. However, delays and complex application processes have often discouraged potential contributors. The workshop focused on improving coordination between institutions, reducing manual steps, and ensuring professional and respectful engagement with foreign applicants.
BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mohammad Bin Harun highlighted key digital initiatives: “We have already launched the online security clearance process as of 1 October and are working to digitalize visa fee payments to improve speed and transparency.”
Delwar Hossain, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, called the session “lively and productive” and noted the government’s progress in digitalising the passport system.
Through the program TEPP-II, UNDP is supporting the integration of BIDA’s One Stop Service (OSS) with the Ministry of Home Affairs to create a smoother, more transparent system for foreign professionals.
The workshop marks a significant step toward making Bangladesh more investor-friendly and globally competitive.
Source: BIDA and UNDP Press Release
