Upholding Human Rights & Public Safety: How Far Is Bangladesh?

Opinion by Shahiduzzaman (dhaka, bangladesh)Monday, October 26, 2026Inter Press Service DHAKA, Bangladesh, October 26 (IPS) - Bangladesh has achieved remarkable economic progress over the past few decades. Its garment industry has become globally important, millions of people have entered the workforce, and private businesses have expanded across manufacturing, services, technology and trade. But economic growth alone does not create a healthy business environment. Businesses also need predictable laws, safe workplaces, fair competition, protection of property and contracts, and respect for the rights of workers, consumers and communities. ShahiduzzamanThe important question is therefore not simply whether Bangladesh is open for business. It is whether Bangladesh can create an environment where economic growth and human rights, investment and public safety, and business success and accountability go together.There has been progress, but significant gaps remain. The World Bank’s Enterprise Surveys have repeatedly identified corruption, infrastructure, access to finance and regulatory obstacles among the challenges faced by businesses in Bangladesh. These problems increase the cost a...