Bangladesh Hosts Economic Reform Summit Ahead of Crucial 2026 Elections

Dhaka Summit Aims for Economic Consensus

An important Economic Reform Summit is scheduled to take place in Dhaka on October 27-28, bringing together a diverse group of politicians, economists, business leaders, and policymakers. The primary objective of this two-day gathering is to foster consensus on crucial economic reforms for Bangladesh, particularly in anticipation of the country's 2026 general elections. Organized by a coalition of civic advocacy groups including Voice for Reform, the Bangladesh Research and Innovation Network, Innovision Consulting, the Citizen Coalition, and the FinTech Society of Bangladesh, the summit seeks to elevate economic discourse above partisan politics.

Navigating Significant Economic Headwinds

The summit convenes at a time when Bangladesh faces considerable economic challenges. The nation has experienced slowing GDP growth, with estimates moderating to 5.2 percent in FY24 from 5.8 percent in FY23, and further projected to 4.0 percent in FY25 by the World Bank. Inflation has remained elevated, reaching 10.87 percent by September 2025, and the Bangladeshi taka has seen a significant devaluation, losing 43 percent of its value against the US dollar since 2021. Other pressing issues include a widening fiscal deficit, pressure on foreign exchange reserves, and an increase in poverty, projected to rise to 8.9 percent in FY25. Furthermore, Bangladesh's impending graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026 will remove existing trade preferences, necessitating urgent economic adjustments.

Key Areas for Reform and Discussion

The agenda for the summit is comprehensive, targeting persistent structural weaknesses in the economy. Discussions are expected to cover a range of critical areas, including:

• Addressing investment barriers and improving the overall investment climate.
• Tackling high youth unemployment and creating more job opportunities.
• Reforming regulatory frameworks that hinder business and foreign investment.
• Improving infrastructure deficits, such as power generation and port capacity.
• Enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting small businesses.
• Strategies for poverty reduction and mitigating widening inequality.
• Promoting export diversification beyond the dominant garment and remittance sectors.
• Strengthening the financial sector, particularly by addressing non-performing loans.
• Improving tax revenue mobilization and managing energy subsidies.

Fahim Mashroor, a prominent tech entrepreneur, serves as the summit's chief coordinator, with Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a senior member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's standing committee, listed as a guest of honor.

Shaping the Economic Future Ahead of 2026 Polls

The timing of the summit is critical, as Bangladesh prepares for general elections expected in February 2026, following the establishment of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus in August 2024. Organizers aim for the summit to produce an 'actionable reform agenda' that political parties can integrate into their 2026 campaign platforms, thereby generating commitments that extend beyond the election cycle. The success of the summit will be measured by its ability to translate discussions into concrete policy implementations, addressing the nation's economic vulnerabilities and fostering sustainable growth.