Businesses show dynamism in global expansion

Bangladesh's businesses have showcased remarkable dynamism in expanding their reach beyond national borders, said Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed.

"Performance is really good. Our products are going to different countries, and our services are being provided to different countries," he said.

His remarks came at the 23rd DHL-The Daily Star Bangladesh Business Awards ceremony at Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden on September 23, where five businesses and entrepreneurs were honoured for contributions to job creation and economic growth.

Referring to Bangladesh's scheduled graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category in November 2026, Ahmed urged the private sector to take a leading role in job creation and global expansion, warning that government resources alone cannot sustain growth.

He said private companies, rather than the state, will be the main driver of employment.

"The government cannot create employment, except in some areas. Private sector development will really fuel employment," he said.

Public sector jobs accounted for 6 percent of the total employed population in 2024, while the private sector employed 94 percent of the workforce, according to the Labour Force Survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).