The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, an event aimed at showcasing the immense investment potential of Bangladesh, kicked off with an inspiring speech by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who urged global investors to consider the country as the best place for business and change. Speaking at the inaugural session at the Hotel Intercontinental, Dhaka, Professor Yunus painted a vision of Bangladesh as a land of incredible opportunities and transformative ideas, emphasizing its role in shaping the future of business and the world.
A Vision for Global Transformation: Professor Yunus, renowned for his pioneering work in microfinance and social entrepreneurship, has always believed in the power of business to drive societal change. In his address, he expressed his conviction that Bangladesh is not only an ideal place for investment but also a place where business can lead to the creation of a new and better civilization. “Bangladesh is a country with crazy ideas to change the world... So, we invite you to join that craft, not only to change Bangladesh by your business but to change the world,” he said. His words underscored the unique potential that Bangladesh holds, both in terms of its domestic opportunities and its broader role in global economic transformation.
The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) organized the summit, which has drawn international attention as investors, business leaders, and policymakers from across the globe came together to explore the nation’s evolving investment climate. Yunus’ message was clear: for businesses looking to make a meaningful difference, Bangladesh is the place to be.
Business with a Purpose: Professor Yunus’ speech focused on a key theme of the summit: the idea of “business with a purpose.” He emphasized that making money is important, but making a positive impact on people’s lives is what he called “super happiness.” He encouraged investors to not only focus on profits but to also look at the broader implications of their business ventures, particularly their ability to transform communities and create value for society at large.
“If you have a business in Bangladesh, you will get happiness and super happiness. You will be proud of what you have done,” he remarked, stressing that doing business in Bangladesh is not just about financial success but also about contributing to social good. He pointed out that businesses in Bangladesh have the potential to positively impact millions of lives, helping to reduce poverty, increase employment, and foster economic development.
Yunus also noted that the rise of technology and innovation has opened up new possibilities for entrepreneurs, especially among the younger generation. He referred to the growing wave of entrepreneurial spirit among the youth in Bangladesh and expressed confidence that this could lead to an economic renaissance that would benefit both the country and the world.
A New Civilization: The “Three Zeros” Vision: A defining moment of Professor Yunus’ address was his proposal for a new vision for global civilization. He spoke passionately about the need to create a world of “Three Zeros”: zero carbon emissions, zero wealth concentration, and zero unemployment. These, he argued, should be the guiding principles of the new business model that investors, particularly those in Bangladesh, should embrace.
“The business can be the powerful mechanism to change the world. We can create a world of ‘Three Zeros’ through business, not by governments,” Yunus declared. He acknowledged that while governments play an important role, it is the individuals and entrepreneurs who will ultimately drive the change needed to solve global challenges. He also addressed the issue of carbon emissions, describing them as “self-destructive” and calling for a fundamental change in the way businesses operate.
“Business should not be about wealth concentration,” he said, “it’s fun to make money, but wealth concentration is the most dangerous thing to human beings. It will destroy the whole world.” This powerful statement highlights Yunus’ belief that businesses should operate ethically, considering both their economic success and their environmental and social impacts.
He also touched on the importance of “zero unemployment,” a theme that resonates with the youth in Bangladesh, who have the potential to drive innovation and technological advancement. Yunus stated that young people today are not merely job seekers, but job creators, and he called on them to think like entrepreneurs and “make things happen.”
The Remarkable Journey of Bangladesh: Professor Yunus took the opportunity to reflect on Bangladesh’s remarkable journey from a war-ravaged nation in 1971 to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Recalling the devastating famine of 1974, in which approximately 1.5 million people died, Yunus emphasized the enormous progress that Bangladesh has made since those dark days.
“Bangladesh was once a country of farmers, most of whom were landless and grew only one crop. But from such a position, Bangladesh started its journey and it came a long way by 2025,” he said. This reflection served as a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Bangladeshi people.
The transformation of the country, from an agricultural economy to one that is globally competitive in industries like textiles and information technology, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Yunus pointed out the growth of the garment industry, which now stands as one of Bangladesh’s most important sectors, employing millions and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP.
“Some crazy young guys from the universities dared to enter into something which was happening in the country because of the business interest of other countries, the garment industry,” Yunus explained. The growth of the garment industry is one of the key success stories of Bangladesh, and Yunus sees it as a symbol of the country’s potential for transformation and its ability to turn seemingly impossible challenges into opportunities.
Grameen America: Expanding the Vision Globally: One of the highlights of Yunus’ address was his reference to the success of Grameen Bank, which he founded to provide microcredit to the poor in Bangladesh. What started as a small initiative in a rural village has now become a global movement, with Grameen America expanding rapidly in the United States. Yunus explained that the model of microcredit, which initially empowered millions of women in Bangladesh to start small businesses, has now reached over 100,000 women in the United States.
He proudly mentioned that Grameen America is growing rapidly, offering loans under $1,000 to women across the U.S. to help them overcome poverty and start their own businesses. This success story underscores Yunus’ belief that Bangladesh’s business environment is fertile ground for global-scale innovation.
“Little things in that sense - Bangladesh’s ground is very fertile. Put a little bit of seeds, and it becomes global,” Yunus said. He called on investors to join the mission of creating a better world through business, urging them to consider not only the economic returns but also the societal benefits of their ventures.
Building a Better Future for Bangladesh and the World: In his emotional remarks, Yunus also recalled Bangladesh’s struggle for independence in 1971, which laid the foundation for the country’s resilience and determination to succeed. The people of Bangladesh, having overcome unimaginable hardships, have since built one of the most dynamic economies in South Asia.
“It’s an amazing journey... that Bangladesh has come a long way in a very short time,” he said. Yunus expressed his optimism for the future, highlighting the contributions of organizations like Grameen Bank and Grameenphone, which have played a crucial role in eradicating poverty and fostering economic growth. He concluded his speech by reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to becoming a leading hub for investment and business innovation. The country’s success story is far from over, and Yunus urged global investors to come to Bangladesh and be part of its ongoing transformation.
Key Highlights of the Summit: The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 has attracted a range of international leaders and business executives, who shared their views on the growing opportunities in Bangladesh. Notable speakers included Baroness Rosie Winterton, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Bangladesh, and Oscar García Maceiras, CEO of Inditex, who both expressed their optimism about the investment potential in Bangladesh.
Syed Nasim Manzur, Managing Director of Apex Footwear Limited, also shared insights into the country’s vibrant business environment and highlighted the importance of international partnerships in fostering sustainable growth. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of BIDA, presented an in-depth overview of Bangladesh’s investment climate, outlining key sectors poised for growth. The summit, which started on April 7, is focused on showcasing Bangladesh’s investment potential and economic reforms, particularly following the landmark July revolution. The event aims to create long-term investment pipelines for sustainable growth and development.
A Call to Action: The Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025 has highlighted the extraordinary potential of Bangladesh as a global investment destination. With a focus on innovation, purpose-driven business, and social impact, the summit has demonstrated why Bangladesh is the best place for investment today. Professor Yunus’ passionate call for global investors to join in the mission of creating a new world through business has set the stage for an exciting future for Bangladesh and the world.
As the summit continues, it is clear that Bangladesh is not just a place for investment; it is a place where business can make a real difference in the lives of millions and contribute to shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
BSS adds, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged the global investors to come up with their business in Bangladesh to change the world.
“Bangladesh is a country of crazy ideas to change the world... Bangladesh makes it happen,” he said while addressing the inaugural session of Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025 at Hotel Intercontinental here. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) organised the summit.
Oscar Garcia from Spain, Rosy Winterton from the United Kingdom and Nasim Manzur from Bangladesh also spoke on the occasion.
BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun presented the business and investment potential of Bangladesh.
Lutfey Siddiqi, Chief Adviser’s Special Envoy on International Affairs, moderated the function.
The four-day summit began on April 7 showcasing the country’s evolving investment opportunities and economic reforms.
The summit is being held to showcase Bangladesh’s investment potential, highlight the economic reforms following the July revolution, and create long-term investment pipelines for sustainable economic growth. Investors from around the world, top business executives and policymakers were present.
