Dhaka: Experts at a discussion here have said infrastructure development is urgently needed to invite foreign investment to Bangladesh.

They said if it could be ensured, more foreign investors will show their interest to invest in the country, utilising its existing investment-friendly atmosphere.

The Faculty of Business Studies of Dhaka University arranged the discussion on ‘Towards making Bangladesh an important trade and investment destination in South Asia: challenges and policy options’ at its conference room on Monday evening.

Speaking as the chief guest, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said Digital Bangladesh is no longer a dream, it is a reality now.

Highlighting the country’s socioeconomic indicators, he said the rural economy of Bangladesh is in excellent shape now, which should be followed by other developing countries.

The Commerce Minister reiterated the government’s target to turn Bangladesh into a developed country by 2041.

About investment, he said: ‘There’re some challenges in front of us...after Rana Plaza collapse, there was a lot of pressure on Bangladesh.’

Foreign Secretary Md Shahidul Haque said Bangladesh is a very stable country where an investment-friendly environment is prevailing.

Noting that there is a strong and vibrant society here, he said Bangladesh has a number of strategies in many sectors, including the five-year plans it sets for the economy.

Distinguished Fellow of Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Mustafizur Rahman and dean of the Faculty of Business Studies Prof Shibli Rubayat Ul Islam, among others, spoke at the discussion.