Police, Bida launch special security measures for foreign investors
Bangladesh Police today announced that it would offer foreign investors direct access to its dedicated emergency contact line, enabling companies to report any incidents and receive immediate support.
The announcement came from the Office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), according to a statement released by the Chief Adviser's Office.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Meanwhile, the IGP, Baharul Alam, and the Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, held a meeting with officials of six foreign companies whose establishments were vandalised during the recent countrywide protests over Israel's Gaza offensive.
The meeting, taken place at the Bangladesh Police headquarters in Dhaka and co-chaired by the Bida executive chairman and the IGP, brought together executives from major companies, including Nestlé Bangladesh, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages, Unilever Bangladesh, Bata Shoe Co. Bangladesh, Reckitt Benckiser Bangladesh, PepsiCo, and Jubilant FoodWorks Bangladesh, among others.
The vandalism occurred on April 7–8 in several cities across Bangladesh.
Police said the law enforcement agency has arrested at least 140 people, and nearly a dozen cases have also been filed over the incidents.
"The presence of the IGP, senior police officials, and our Bida team under one roof with business leaders was not only timely but unprecedented," said the Bida executive chairman.
"This wasn't just a gesture—it was a statement. It shows that Bangladesh is serious about standing by its investors, especially when challenges arise," he said.
"The companies we sat with directly support the livelihood of thousands of employees and their families. We respect the right to protest, but destroying the institutions that provide jobs, stability, and growth is not the answer," he added.
The Bida chief also commended the police for "their swift support and their commitment to decisive action against those responsible for the violence."
Participating companies shared first-hand accounts of vandalism, losses, and operational breakdowns.
In response, the IGP's office has announced that it will offer dedicated emergency contact line access to the affected businesses.
Senior police officials said the emergency contact line would enable the companies "to report incidents and receive immediate support."
The IGP assured business leaders of full cooperation from the country's law enforcement agencies.
"We are not here just to respond. We are here to build confidence and ensure that these disruptions do not repeat," he said.
The engagement resulted in a set of jointly developed preventive action plans, including new security protocols, rapid response units, and enhanced crisis communication channels.
These measures, co-created by Bida, the police, and business associations, aim to foster long-term trust and resilience in Bangladesh's investment ecosystem.
"This dialogue isn't about reaction—it's about prevention," added the Bida executive chairman.
"And more importantly, it reflects the government's promise: to walk with our investors, not just during booms, but also during turbulence," said Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.
Corporate representatives thanked both Bida and the Bangladesh Police for their responsiveness and expressed renewed confidence in continuing their operations and future expansion plans in Bangladesh.
This initiative is part of Bida's broader mission to ensure Bangladesh remains a safe, sustainable, and investor-friendly destination aligned with the priorities of the interim government.
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