Agility, ideas vital for growth

Says Md Miarul Haque, MD of DHL Express Bangladesh

Bangladesh's private sector must respond to change with agility, innovation, and collaboration to remain competitive in a rapidly shifting global economy, said Md Miarul Haque, managing director of DHL Express Bangladesh.

Speaking at the 23rd Bangladesh Business Awards, jointly organised by DHL and The Daily Star on September 23, Haque said businesses must act not only as contributors but also as co-creators of the country's future.

"Tonight, we gather not just to celebrate achievements, but to recognise the journeys that are shaping Bangladesh's future—journeys built on enterprise, foresight, and the courage to adapt," he said.

Haque noted that Bangladesh has achieved steady economic progress through deliberate effort, strategic choices, and the resilience of its private sector. However, he cautioned that global shifts in standards, markets, and technology demand faster adaptation.

Miarul Haque noted that Bangladesh has achieved steady economic progress through deliberate effort, strategic choices, and the resilience of its private sector. However, he cautioned that global shifts in standards, markets, and technology demand faster adaptation

"Bangladesh stands at a historic crossroads. Having successfully met all three UN criteria for graduation, the country is scheduled to exit the least developed category in November 2026," he said.

The milestone will boost the nation's global image and investor confidence while also bringing new challenges, he said.

This year's awards adopted the theme "Powering the Private Sector" and were preceded by a series of roundtables jointly hosted by The Daily Star and DHL in recent months.

The discussions, involving business leaders, policymakers, and experts, focused on the implications of the LDC graduation and strategies to enhance competitiveness.

Quoting from the final roundtable, Haque highlighted one remark of Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, special assistant to the chief adviser: "Whether graduation comes in 2026 or later, the task is the same: to shift from preference-driven growth to productivity-driven competitiveness."

Haque also cited Mahbub ur Rahman, CEO of HSBC Bangladesh, who observed: "Have we progressed? The answer is yes. Do we have room for improvement? The answer is also yes, especially if we compare ourselves against international standards."

Rahman said that he "fully" agrees with the assertion that logistics will continue to remain crucial for making businesses competitive regardless of LDC graduation.

"We have progressed, but we still have room to improve. The future will not be shaped by ambition alone, but by our ability to build systems that scale, partnerships that endure, and solutions that adapt," he said.

Haque concluded by congratulating this year's award winners, acknowledging the strength and diversity of the country's entrepreneurs, and reaffirming DHL's commitment to Bangladesh's next phase of growth.

"Your presence here tonight reflects the determination of our business community. You are the ones driving change, creating value, and building the future," he said.