Foreign Investment Doubles, BIDA Chairman Ashik Chowdhury Slams Misleading Media Reports

PNN Report | Dhaka: Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), has stated that Bangladesh received net foreign direct investment (FDI) worth BDT 10,500 crore in the first three months of 2025, more than double compared to the same period in 2024. Referring to Bangladesh Bank data, he further said that total FDI over the last six months since October has reached BDT 16,500 crore, also nearly double that of the final six months under the previous government.

However, Chowdhury was quick to clarify that this success is not solely the result of BIDA’s efforts. In a post on his verified Facebook page, he remarked, “Our role behind this year’s FDI inflow is minimal. Most investment decisions were made earlier. Perhaps what has improved is the processing speed. For instance, BIDA and Bangladesh Bank are now scrutinizing and approving foreign loans more efficiently.”

In his post, Chowdhury strongly criticized certain media practices. “About two months ago, a report accompanied by a cartoon framed the same timeline in a way that made it look like we do nothing but jump off planes, host summits, and give presentations,” he wrote. “That report went on to claim the destruction of investment, economy, and the country — all based on provisional or proposed data.”

He added, “Publishing such negative reports based on early data to sensationalize the public is unfortunate. Data in Bangladesh already comes with enough confusion. Such irresponsible journalism only adds to public misunderstanding.”

Despite his criticisms, Chowdhury also praised a few responsible journalists he has encountered over the past eight months. “They ask straight-cut questions and try to understand the content before reporting,” he said. “It would be great if others in the profession followed their example.”