The government is set to introduce a new investment instrument titled "Bangladesh Bond" in both domestic and international markets, aiming to attract local and foreign capital and accelerate economic growth momentum.
Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury disclosed the plan on Thursday while addressing a discussion titled "Budget and Public Expectations in Times of Crisis" organised by Prothom Alo at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka.
He said the proposed bonds would offer interest rates ranging between 6 and 9 percent, positioning them as an alternative financing channel to ease reliance on high-cost bank borrowing.
"The government has already initiated measures to deepen the capital and bond markets, which are viable alternatives to costly bank financing. There has been a strong response from international investment bankers, fund managers and the IFC," the minister said.
He added that Bangladesh is working to expand its financial architecture by strengthening capital markets and drawing in long-term institutional investment.
As part of broader reforms, the government also plans to make stock market listing mandatory for large-cap companies. Firms above a specified capital threshold will be required to go public to enhance transparency, widen investment opportunities and deepen market participation.
Amir Khasru said the administration is pursuing a comprehensive transformation agenda aimed at shifting away from oligarchic and patronage-driven economic structures towards what he described as a welfare-oriented economy.
"The democratisation of the economy is not merely a slogan; it is the central philosophy of the current government," he said.
He emphasised targeted inclusion measures for marginalised occupational groups, including blacksmiths, potters and weavers, to bring them into the formal economic system through tailored budgetary support.
The minister also announced plans to introduce dedicated allocations in the upcoming budget for developing the creative economy, covering theatre, music, painting, cultural industries and artificial jewellery.
He said "theatre districts" would be established in major cities outside Dhaka to strengthen Bangladesh's cultural footprint and soft power globally.
On business reforms, he said the government is working to reduce the cost of doing business by cutting excessive charges and bureaucratic procedures across ports, transport systems and regulatory agencies.
According to him, the number of approvals required for investment and project implementation will be drastically reduced from multiple stages to just 13, in a bid to accelerate decision-making and improve efficiency.
The finance minister further said full digital automation of economic and administrative systems is planned within the next year, alongside the introduction of a "One Citizen, One Card" framework to integrate public services.
Project implementation, he added, will be subjected to daily monitoring and strict deadlines to ensure timely execution.
On taxation reforms, Amir Khasru said measures are being prepared to curb tax evasion by multinational beverage and tobacco companies through improved verification of actual market share.
He also indicated that a simplified flat tax system is under consideration for small restaurants and shopkeepers to reduce harassment and improve compliance.
A new bill is also being drafted to restructure tax policy formulation through an independent body comprising experts in global economics, trade and business profitability alongside tax officials.
Urging public patience, the minister said the government's ambition goes beyond headline GDP figures.
"Our objective is not only higher growth, but inclusive growth that changes the lives of ordinary citizens," he said, expressing optimism that Bangladesh could evolve into a genuinely welfare-oriented state within the next two years.
