Doing Business in Bangladesh
April 05, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. BANGLADESH AT A GLANCE
I.A. Key Facts
I.B. Infrastructure
I.B.1. Telecommunications
I.B.2. Transport
I.B.2.a) Land
I.B.2.b) Water
II. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN BANGLADESH
II.A. Bangladesh Investment Climate
II.B. Economic Overview
II.C. Investment Opportunities
II.C.1. Resource Advantages
II.C.2. Development Opportunities
II.D. Foreign Investors
II.E. Sectors with Investment Opportunities
III. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
III.A. Diplomatic Relations
III.B. Bangladesh’s History and Government
III.B.1. History
III.B.2 Government
III.C. Legal System
III.C.1. Common Law System
III.C.2. Supreme Court
III.C.3. Special Courts
III.C.4. Alternative Dispute Resolution
III.D. Environmental Considerations
III.E. Intellectual Property Rights
III.E.1. International Obligations
III.E.2. Legislation
III.E.3. Reform
III.E.4. Permission for Royalties
IV. FOREIGN INVESTMENT INCENTIVES
IV.A. General Incentives for Foreign Investment
IV.B. Incentives for Export Oriented Businesses
IV.C. Access to Foreign Investors
IV.C.1. Access to the Sectors and Industries
IV.C.2. Acquisition
IV.D. Ownership, Property and Management Control
IV.D.1 Ownership
IV.D.1.a) Equity Participation
IV.D.1.b) Foreign Participation
IV.D.2. Shares and Securities
IV.D.3. Management Control
IV.E. Investment Protection for Foreign Investors
V. FINANCIAL FACILITIES
V.A. Banking/Financial Facilities
V.A.1. The Role of Bangladesh Bank
V.A.2 The Local Banks of Bangladesh:
V.B. Foreign Investors and Loans
V.B.1. Local Borrowings
V.B.2. Foreign Loans
VI. STRUCTURES FOR DOING BUSINESS
VI.A. Registered Companies
VI.B. Limited liability- Companies Limited by Shares
VI.B.1. Private Limited Companies
VI.B.2. Public Limited Companies
VI.C. Companies Limited by Guarantees
VI.C.1. Features of a Guarantee Company
VII. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BUSINESS
VII.A. Place of Business
VII.B. Foreign Investment
VII.C. Registration of Foreign Direct Investment
VII.C.1. EPZ or Industrial Estate
VII.C.2. Any other Businesses
VII.C.3. Manufacturing Firm
VII.C.4. Businesses Requiring Pre -Registration Clearance
VII.D. Environmental Regulations
VII.E. Zonal Restrictions
VII.F. Building and Related Permits
VII.F.1 Businesses in the Export Processing Zones (EPZ)
VII.F.2. Businesses outside the EPZs
VIII. TERMINATION OF BUSINESS
VIII.A. Investor’s Decision to Wind up
VIII.B. Court’s Initiative to Wind up
VIII.C. Repatriation of Capital
IX. LABOUR LEGISLATION, RELATION AND SUPPLY
IX.A. Workforce
IX.B. Employment Conditions
IX.B.1. Minimum Age
IX.B.2. Contracts
IX.B.3. ILO Convention
IX.C. Labour Laws
IX.D. Settlement of Labour Disputes
IX.E. Wages and Fringe Benefits
IX.E.1. Public Sector
IX.E.2. Private Sector
IX.F. Leave & Holidays
IX.G. Social Security
IX.H. Labour Union
IX.H.1. Right to Form an Association
IX.H.2. Formation
IX.H.3. Disputes
IX.I. Working Hours
IX.I.1. Hours
IX.I.2. Overtime
X. TAXATION
X.A Income Tax
X.B. Corporate Tax
X.C. Capital Gains Tax
X.D. Dividend Income
X.E. Royalties
X.F. VAT
X.G. Salaries of foreign technicians
XI. EXCHANGE and REMITTING FUNDS
XI.A. The Role of Authorized Dealers (AD)
XI.B. Remittances
XI.B.1 Remittance of Profits
XI.B.2. Remittance of Salaries and Savings by Expatriates
XI.C. Convertibility on Trade Accounts
XI.D. Exchange Facilities for Exporters
IX.D.1. Merchandise Exporters
IX.D.2 Exporters with High Import Items
IX.D.3. Service Exporters
XII. IMMIGRATION
XII.A. Immigration Procedure
XII.B. Landing Permit / Visa on Arrival (LP/VOA)
XII.C. Work Permits
XIII. CONTACT DETAILS
XIII.A. Embassies and Consulates
XIV. TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
XIV.A. Board of Investment (BOI)
XIV.B. Bangladesh Small Cottage and Industry Corporation (BSCIC)
XIV.C. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
XIV.D. Export Processing Zone (EPZ)
I. BANGLADESH AT A GLANCE
I. A. Key Facts
Geography
Geographically located in South Asia; between 20’34 and 26’38 north latitude and between 88’01 and 92’41 east longitude consists of flat fertile alluvial land.Neighbouring India to the north, east and west; Burma to the south- east and the Bay of Bengal to the
south. Bangladesh, on the northern coast of the Bay of Bengal, is surrounded by India, with a small common border with Myanmar in the southeast.
Area: 147,570 km2
Climate: Sub -tropical monsoon
Winter (December – February) (29’C Maximum; 11’C Minimum)
Summer (April – June) (32’C Maximum; 21’C)
Heavy rainfall during the monsoons (July-October)
Standard Time: GMT + 6 hours
Population: Population (2010 est.): 1645 Millions
Languages: Official language Bangla (Bengali) English is widely used in government, business and universities.
Religion: Muslim (88.3 %) Hindu (10.5 %) Buddhist (0.6%) Christian, (0.3%) Other (0.3%)
Government: Bangladesh is a developing democratic polity based on theWestminster model; secular, but not a theocratic state.
Money and Currency: Bangladeshi Taka (Tk)
Currency Exchange rates (As on 10th April, 2011)
Currency Buying Selling
USD 72.80 72.86
GBP 119.33 119.45
EUR 105.41 105.54
Economic Summary:
GDP/PPP (2010 est.): $259.3 billion; per capita $1,700
Real growth rate: 6% (2010 est.)
Inflation: 8.1%
Industries: cotton textiles, jute, garments, tea processing, paper newsprint, cement, chemical fertilizer, light engineering, sugar.
Natural resources: natural gas, arable land, timber, coal.
Exports: $16.24 billion (2010 est) :garments, jute and jute goods, leather, frozen fish and seafood (2010).
Imports: $21.34 billion (2010 est.): machinery and equipment, chemicals, iron and steel, textiles, foodstuffs, petroleum products, cement (2010)
I.B. Infrastructure
I.B.1. Telecommunications
Situated in the heart of South Asia, there has been considerable development in the telecommunications system in Bangladesh with 125 telephone exchanges enabling direct nationwide dialing facilities, international calls connected by trunk exchanges, satellite earth stations providing international communication link and international direct dialling offered to subscribers. The internet is easily accessible in cities and most businesses and government organizations have their own websites and are able to correspond through email.
I.B.2. Transport
I.B.2.a) Land
A road network connects most parts of Bangladesh, even the remote ones. The railway system is being upgraded through management contracts with private operators. Biman, the state- owned airline as well as other international airlines fly regularly to and from international destinations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America. In addition to the main international airport, Shahjalal International Airport in the capital city of Dhaka, there are two other International Airports at Sylhet and Chittagong and a few domestic airports.
I.B.2.b) Water
Bangladesh has perhaps the best water transport system in the region which accounts for two -thirds of cargo transport within the country. Hundreds of rivers criss- cross the land connecting all parts of the country. The major rivers run to the Bay of Bengal in the south
where the major seaport of Chittagong plays the most significant role in the country’s
INFRASTRUCTURE AT A GLANCE
Telecommunications
Telephones (main lines in use): 831,000 (2004)
Mobile Cellular: 2,781,600 (2004)
Radio broadcast stations: AM 15, FM 13, short- wave 2 (2006)
Television broadcast stations : 15 (1999)
Internet hosts: 266 (2005)
Internet users: 300,000 (2005)
Transport
Railways: 2,706 km (2004)
Highways : 239,226 km paved:22,726 km; unpaved:216,500 km (2003)
Waterways : 8,372 km; note: includes 2,635 km main cargo routes (2005)
Ports and harbors: Chittagong, Mongla Port
Airports : 16 (2005)
II. INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN BANGLADESH
II.A. Bangladesh Investment Climate
“Bangladesh is the third easiest country in which to do business in South Asia, “reported a World Bank -International Financial Corporation report of 6th September 2006. The report further observed that Bangladesh has undertaken steps to improve its business climate and one notable reform made recently was the introduction of a new land registration act to improve security and reduce corruption in land transactions. Among South Asian FDI regimes, a World Bank report (Foreign Direct Investment in Bangladesh: Issues of Long-run Sustainability,1999) judged the Bangladeshi regime to be the most liberal, with no prior approval requirements or limits on equity participation or on the repatriation of profits and income. According to the report, not only has Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bangladesh been growing but it may be significantly underreported, on account in part of the more open regime.
II.B. Economic Overview
Although the transition process from an agrarian economy to a manufacturing and service based economy has only begun, the common consensus between all political parties is that the market-oriented economic policy must be promoted. The private sector is now the major source of investment in the country and this is further accentuated by Bangladesh’s liberal economic approach. Policies of liberalization, deregulation and reforms have been combined together to bring about changes in almost all sectors of the economy in tune with globalization challenges. By removing all barriers to investment and business, Bangladesh has opened up its economy. Bangladesh is currently one of the top exporters of Readymade garments (RMG) to the USA and Europe. Fisheries (shrimp mainly) and leather products are also being exported at an increasing rate. The Government has decided to make no new investment in the manufacturing sector, except for its reserved areas (defence, forestry, nuclear power and security printing). The population reaching nearly 148 million, Bangladesh is one of the most populous countries of the world and potentially a sizeable market due to relatively high growth rates and an expanding middle class with increasing purchasing power.
II.C. Investment Opportunities
Investment opportunities in Bangladesh can be seen as falling into two broad categories:
II.C.1. Resource Advantages
Areas in which Bangladesh offers substantial resource advantages Example: Natural gas, fisheries and low- cost labour.
II.C.2. Development Opportunities
Areas in which Bangladesh needs to develop. Example: Upgrading of infrastructure (power, telecommunications, ports, roads and railways) Note: For this category, financing available through multilateral and bilateral sources.
II.D. Foreign Investors
Bangladesh offers important investment opportunities which is reflected in the inflows of foreign direct investment which increased from virtually zero in the 1980s to over $300 million in the late 1990s. Bangladesh has adopted a liberal approach to foreign investment with schemes such as no restrictions on equity participation, repatriation of profits or income and no prior approval requirements. Investment Climate: Key Points for Foreign Investors
1. A largely homogeneous society with no major internal or external tensions and a population with great resilience in the face of adversity (e.g., floods).
2. Broad non-partisan political support for market-oriented reform and perhaps the most
investor- friendly regulatory regime in South Asia.
3. Trainable, enthusiastic, hardworking and low-cost (even by regional standards) labour force.
4. Potentially significant market, especially with easy access to South Asia.
II.E. Sectors with Investment Opportunities
The following table provides an overview of the sectors in which the government
is seeking foreign direct investment for both domestic and export market oriented
industries to make up for the deficient economic investment resources.
Sectors with Investment Opportunities:
Natural Gas : Bangladesh has a substantial gas reserve of about 195.4 billion cu m. (1 January 2010 est)
Exploration (Electricity, Fertilizer and Petro- chemicals):
Opportunities exist in developing new plants (barge-mounted and other, large, small and mini), constructing transmission and distribution system, rehabilitating or upgrading existing plants and supplying a variety of support services. Investment opportunities are available on a build-operate- transfer (BOT) basis.
2. Textile
- The fastest growing industry in Bangladesh with Ready-made Garments (RMG) accounting for more than 75% of total exports.
- Bangladesh is best placed in the region for textiles and garments because of cheap labour and trade status with the EU.
- Government incentives for the spinning and weaving industries include a 15% cash subsidy of the fabric cost to exporters sourcing fabrics locally.
3. Electronics (Semi- Conductor, Cell Phone Assembly and other Electronics):
- Manufacturing of semi-conductors could be established as a potential cottage industry.
- Bangladesh is going to be the largest cell-phone market in South Asia.
4. Information Technology (Data Processing and Software Development):
- Investment is mostly confined to information processing. Bangladesh has a cheaper and rapidly growing IT workforce.
5. Frozen Foods (Shrimp Farming; shrimp and prawn exports):
- Fish and prawn exports grew at an average 20% in the past decade.
- Shrimp processing and export industry is largely dominated by the smaller unorganized sector.
- The frozen foods export is the second largest export sector of the country. The average annual growth rate is about28%. This export- oriented industry includes the following sub -sectors which need proper attention for augmentation of production and export earnings:
? Hatcheries
? Sustainable aqua- culture technology
? Feed meals plants
? Processing unit for value- added products
6. Leather (Finished Leather and Leather Goods):
- Bangladesh has a domestic supply of good quality raw material, as hide and skins are a by- product of large livestock industry.
- Adequate government support in the form of tax holidays, duty free imports of raw materials and machinery for export-oriented leather market.
- Presently Bangladesh produces between 2 and 3 percent of the world’s leather market.
- Most of the livestock base for this production is domestic which is estimated as comprising 1.8 percent of the world’s cattle stock and 3.7 percent of the goat stock.
7. Ceramics (Tableware, Sanitary ware and Insulator):
- Tableware industry is labour- intensive and even after spending billions of dollars on automation, developed countries could not reduce the number of workforce.
- Bangladesh has a skilled manpower in ceramic industry and the clean gas reserve required for firing is a great competitive advantage for Bangladesh.
- Bangladesh, being a gas- rich and low- labour -cost economy, offers to be strategic partners in production and supply of ceramic products.
8. Light Engineering (Machinery Parts and Consumer Items):
- A growing and increasingly affluent middle class indicates demand for consumer durables.
- There is a significant sector of cottage industries engaged in simple electronic goods.
- Export- oriented production in light industries has gained momentum in the past few years.
9. Agro -Based Industry (Canned Juice / Fruit and Dairy and Poultry):
- Bangladesh has the basic attributes for successful agro-based industries, namely, rich alluvial soil, a year-round frost- free environment, an adequate water supply and an abundance of cheap labour.
- Increased cultivation of vegetables, spices and tropical fruits now grown in Bangladesh could supply raw materials to local agro- processing industries for both domestic and export markets.
III. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
III.A. Diplomatic Relations
Bangladesh is a member of various international trade and business agreements.
III. A. 1. Member of Commonwealth of Nations.
III.A.2. Founding member of the World Trade Organization.
III.A.3.Member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), an arm of the World Bank that insures foreign investors against political risks such as expropriation,
inconvertibility and war damage.
III.A.4.Party to the World Bank Convention on the Settlement of Investment Disputes between States and Nationals of Other States which enables international arbitration of disputes with foreign investors.
III.A.5. Member of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s permanent committee on development co- operation related to industrial property.
III.A.6. Bangladesh is a member of several regional organizations, one of which, SAARC and its off shoot SAPTA.
III.A.7. In addition, Bangladesh has joined BIMSTEC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation) and D-8 (involving Bangladesh, Pakistan,
Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey, Nigeria, and Iran).
III.A.8. Bangladesh has also entered into a number of investment and taxation agreements, as indicated below:
Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) (Bilateral treaties on investment promotion and protection): Belgium Belgium, China Canada, France China, Germany Denmark, Indonesia France, Iran Germany, Italy India, Japan Italy, Republic of Korea Japan, Malaysia Republic of Korea, Netherlands Malaysia, Pakistan Netherlands, Philippines Pakistan, Poland Poland, Romania Romania, Switzerland Singapore, Thailand Sri Lanka, Turkey Sweden, UK Thailand, USA UK,
Avoidance of Double Taxation Treaties (DTTs) (Bilateral treaties for the avoidance of double taxation)
Source: Board of Investment of Bangladesh
III.B. Bangladesh’s History and Government
III.B.1. History
On the political partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, the eastern part of the province of Bengal became East Pakistan. East Pakistan was governed by West Pakistan although separated from it by a considerable stretch of Indian territory. Differences in culture and language led to a movement of independence by East Pakistan and it resulted in the creation of the Republic of Bangladesh on 16 th December 1971, after a 9 month
long liberation war.
III.B.2 Government
Under the constitution of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister, as the executive power, is the head of the government. A cabinet of ministers assists the Prime Minister. The head of state is the President, who is chosen by parliament for a five-year term. The tenure of the
national parliament, known as the Jatiya Sangsad, is also for a five- year period. It is a
unicameral body vested with legislative powers and has 300 elected members.
III.C. LEGAL SYSTEM
III.C.1. Common Law System
The le gal system of Bangladesh is based on a common law system. However, unlike other common law jurisdictions, Bangladesh’s Supreme court has the power to not only interpret laws made by the Parliament but to also declare them null and void and enforce fundamental rights of the citizens. Although founded on the English common law system, the laws of Bangladesh take a statutory form which are enacted by the legislature
and interpreted by the higher courts.
III.C.2. Supreme Court
The Constitution of Bangladesh created the Supreme Court of Bangladesh with two divisions, the High Court Division and the Appellate Division. As the apex court, the High Court division has been vested with the power to hear appeals and revisions from subordinate courts and also to issue orders and directives in the nature of writs to enforce fundamental rights and to grant other relief available under the writ jurisdiction.
III.C.3. Special Courts
III.C.3.a) Labour Courts decide labour disputes.
III.C.3. b)Administrative Tribunals decide service disputes of public servants.
III.C.3.c) Income Tax Appellate Tribunals decide income tax disputes, custom and excise matters. VAT Appellate Tribunals decide disputes regarding custom and excise duties and VAT.
III.C.3.d) Court of Settlement decides disputes relating to abandoned properties.
III.C.3.e) Artha Rin Adalats decide money claims of banks and other financial institutions.
III.C.3.f) Insolvency Courts declare defaulting borrowers as insolvent.
III.C.4. Alternative Dispute Resolution
III.C.4.a) Civil Procedure Code (Amendment) 2002
The Civil Procedure Code (Amendment) Act 2002 has been enacted to introduce Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system for early and consensual disposal of civil suits. Section 89A and 89B have been inserted to allow parties to settle their disputes in suits through mediation or arbitration.
III.C.4.b) Arbitration
Arbitration is increasingly being employed as a means of getting around the judiciary and the length of time it can take to resolve cases. Arbitration in Bangladesh has proved to be a successful and efficient means of resolving disputes arising out of commercial matters. Businesses, especially those with foreign concerns, have now begun to write arbitration uses into their standard contracts.
III.D. Environmental Considerations
Investors need to conform to certain environmental safety standards to get clearance
certificates from the Department of the Environment (DOE).
III.D.1. Environmental Clearance Required for:
III.D.1.a) Appropriate water- treatment plants
III.D.1.b) Air-pollution- controlling devices
III.D.1.c) Noise- pollution
III.D.1.d) Safety measures
III.D.2. Project Proposals Must Contain:
III.D.2.a) Appropriate environmental impact assessment
III.D.2.b) Pollution-control measures
III.D.3. Corrective Measures
Existing industries with possibly negative implications for the environment or public health will be required to take corrective measures.
III.E. Intellectual Property Rights
The Government recognizes the importance of intellectual property rights (IPRs) for
attracting foreign investment and is currently in the process of updating legislation in
order to ensure better enforcement of such rights.
III.E.1. International Obligations
III.E.1.a) Member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) since 1985.
III.E.1.b) Signatory to the Paris Convention on Intellectual Property from 1991.
III.E.2. Legislation
The existing Bangladeshi legislation in this area, however, dates mostly from the period of British rule. The legislation in force are as follows:
III.E.2.a) Patent and Design Act of 1911
III.E.2.b) Patent and Design Rule of 1933
III.E.2.c) Trademark Act of 1940
III.E.2.d) Copyright Act of 1999
III.E.3. Reform
Draft legislation is currently awaiting cabinet approval which will ensure compliance with WTO’s Agreement on Trade related Aspects of Intellectual Property (TRIPs).
III.E.4. Permission for Royalties
No prior permission is required for entering into agreements for remitting fees for royalties, technical know- how and technical assistance.
IV. FOREIGN INVESTMENT INCENTIVES
IV.A. General Incentives for Foreign Investment
The government has been keen in promoting foreign investment and continues in its efforts to attract such investment as a means of alleviating the economy. Furthermore, the government has liberalised the industrial and investment policies in recent years by reducing bureaucratic control over private investment. Investment Incentives:
1. Tax Exemptions: Generally 5 to 7 years. However, for power generation exemption is allowed for 15 years.
2. Duty: No import duty for export oriented industry. For other industry it is at 5% ad- valorem.
3. Tax Law: i. Double taxation can be avoided in case of foreign investors on the basis of bilateral agreements.
ii. Exemption of income tax up to 3 years for the expatriate employees in industries specified in the relevant schedule of Income Tax ordinance.
4. Remittance: Facilities for full repatriation of invested capital, profit and dividend.
5. Exit: An investor can wind up an investment either through a decision of the AGM or
EGM. Once a foreign investor completes the formalities to exit the country, he or she
can repatriate the sales proceeds after securing proper authorization from the Central Bank.
6. Ownership: Foreign investors can set up ventures which are either wholly owned or in collaboration with a local partner.
IV.B. Incentives for Export Oriented Businesses
Bangladesh has enabled Export Processing Zones (EPZ) to encourage and facilitate the functioning of export- oriented enterprises. Industries which fall within an EPZ benefit from fiscal, non-fiscal and infrastructure facilities. Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) approves all projects to be located in the EPZs.
Incentives to Join EPZ
Fiscal Non – Fiscal Financial
• Tax holiday for 10 years
• Project expansion and product diversification without permission,
• Secured and protected industrial area
• Exemption of income tax on interest from borrowed capital
• Off-shore, local and international banking facilities
• Land and factory buildings for rent
• Relief from double taxation subject to bilateral agreements
• Freedom from national import policy restrictions
• Electricity, telecommunication, gas and water facilities
• Complete exemption from dividend tax for 3 years subject to certain conditions
• Expeditious import of raw materials on Documentary Acceptance (DA) basis
• Export and import permits issued in one day
• Exemption of income tax on salaries of foreign technicians for 3 years subject to certain
conditions
• Back-to- back L/C for the import of raw materials in certain industries
• Work permits organized for foreign nationals
• Duty-free import of machinery, equipment and raw materials
• Import of goods from the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA)
• Recreational facilities for foreign nationals
• Duty-free import of three motor vehicles under certain conditions
• Option to sell 10 per cent of output to the DTA under certain conditions
• Contact only required with BEPZA for all operational purposes
• Duty-free import of materials for constructing factory buildings
• Option to relocate existing industries from abroad
• Duty-free export of goods produced in the zones
• Option to relocate from one zone to another
• Option to sub- contract within the zone
• Inter-zone and intra-zone export
• Customs formalities carried out at enterprise site
• Liberal allowance of expatriate employment (technicians/experts)
• No unions or strikes
• Equal rights with Bangladeshi nationals for foreign employees
IV.C. Access to Foreign Investors
IV.C.1. Access to the Sectors and Industries
Foreign investment is encouraged in all industrial activities. Such investment may be undertaken either independently or through joint ventures with the local private or public sector.
IV.C.1.a) Reserved Industries Foreign direct investment is not encouraged in the following four industries:
IV.C.1.a) Readymade garments
IV.C.1.b) Banks
IV.C.1.c) Insurance companies
IV.C.1.d) Other financial institutions
If foreign investment is aimed at one of these sectors, then Pre- Registration Clearance would need to be obtained (see para VII.B.4.)
IV.C.2. Acquisition
There is no barrier to the acquisition of local enterprises by foreign investors. Foreign investors may also buy enterprises reserved for privatization.
IV.D. Ownership, Property and Management Control
There is no general restriction on equity participation, acquisition of property or management control for a foreign firm.
IV.D.1. Ownership
Bangladesh welcomes foreign investors in all forms and types.
IV.D.1.a) Equity Participation:
There is no limitation on equity participation for foreign investment in Bangladesh.
IV.D.1.b) Foreign Participation:
Foreign Participation is allowed up to 100 per cent under the existing laws in all areas except the four reserved ones.
IV.D.2. Share s and Securities:
Foreign investors may invest in shares and securities quoted on the stock exchange with foreign exchange sent or brought into Bangladesh.
IV.D.2.a) Easy Access
IV.D.2.a)i. Foreign investors may invest in new private allocation of shares of industrial enterprises.
IV.D.2.a)ii. Foreign investors are not required to carry out such transactions through registered brokers or members of the stock exchange.
IV.D.2.a)iii.There are no restrictions on the transfer of shares to other non- residents.
IV.D.2.b) Restrictions
IV.D.2.b)i. Foreign investors may not buy national savings bonds.
IV.D.2.b)ii. They cannot sell their shares, irrespective of their
percentage of equity and paid- up capital through public issues.
IV.D.3. Management Control
Anyone who is chosen to hold the position of a Director or managerial role based on relevant qualifications and skills will be able to succeed to that position and his/her nationality will not be a bar as such. However, Israeli citizens will not be able to serve as directors or managers because Bangladesh does not have any diplomatic relations with the state of Israel.
IV.E. Investment Protection for Foreign Investors
The Foreign Private Investment (Promotion and Protection) Act of 1980 guarantees protection against expropriation. If a foreign investor becomes subject to a legal measure that has the effect of expropriation, adequate compensation will be paid and it will be freely repatriable. The amount of the compensation will be determined in accordance to the market value of the investment immediately before the measure went into effect. (As noted earlier, Bangladesh is also a signatory in good standing of the Multilateral Guarantee Agency insures investors against political risk. There has been no instance of expropriation of foreign property since the Foreign Investment Act was passed in 1980.
V. FINANCIAL FACILITIES
V.A. Banking/Financial Facilities
Bangladesh offers adequate banking facilities to the investors, both domestic and foreign, for establishment of industries and to facilitate their business transactions.
V.A.1. The Role of Bangladesh Bank
Bangladesh Bank, as the central bank, has legal authority to supervise and regulate commercial banks and banking institutions. It performs the traditional central banking role of note issuance and as banker to the government and banks. It formulates and implements monetary policies, manages foreign exchange reserves and supervises banks and non- bank financial institutions.
V.A.2. The Local Banks of Bangladesh:
V.A.2.a) State- owned Commercial Banks (4)
V. A.2.b) Specialized Banks for agricultural and industrial sector (5)
V. A.2.c) Financing Institutions: Government owned (1); Locally owned (15) and Joint- venture with foreign participation (12)
V.1 A.2.d) Leasing and Finance Companies (18)
V.B. Foreign Investors and Loans
V.B.1. Local Borrowings
Foreign investors have full access to local capital sources. Banks in Bangladesh may extend working capital loans or term loans in local currency to foreign-controlled or foreign- owned firms/companies (manufacturing or non- manufacturing) operating in Bangladesh on the basis of normal banker-customer relationship, without reference to
Bangladesh Bank. Interest rates vary from 9 to 16 per cent.
V.B.2. Foreign Loans
Industrial enterprises in Bangladesh (local, foreign or joint venture) may borrow abroad with prior BOI approval. Remittances towards payment of interest and repayment of principal as per terms of BOI approved borrowing may be made through ADs without prior Bangladesh Bank approval.
V. STRUCTURES FOR DOING BUSINESS
VI.A. Registered Companies
Any company with unlimited liability, liability limited by shares or by guarantee may register as a company under the Companies Act 1994 provided it consists of 7 members or more. Forms for incorporation and registration are available with the office of the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms. Nominal fees are charged for registering the Memorandum and Articles of Association of a proposed company.
VI.B. Limited liability- Companies Limited by Shares
There are two types of companies limited by shares, the public and the private.
VI.B.1. Private Limited Companies
A private limited company is restricted in its rights to transfer its shares and it is also limited in the number of its members. The following are the essential features of a private limited company:
VI.B.1.a) Its members will have restricted rights to transfer shares.
VI.B.1.b) It will consist of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 50 members. Members do not include persons employed in the company.
VI.B.1.c) It will prohibit any invitation to the public to subscribe to its shares or debentures.
VI.B.1.d) Trading and business may commence from the date of its incorporation.
VI.B.2. Public Limited Companies
A public limited company offers shares and debentures to the public through a prospectus which complies with the requirements of the Companies Act 1994 and the Securities and Exchange Commission Act 1993. The features of a public limited company are as follows:
VI.B.2.a) A public limited company may issue invitation to the members of the public to subscribe to the shares and debentures of the company.
VI.B.2.b) It will consist of a minimum of 7 members. There is no limit as to the maximum number of its members.
VI.B.2.c) It must have at least 3 Directors.
VI.B.2.d) A public limited company may be formed after conversion of a private company.
VI.B.2.e) Publicly traded companies pay a lower rate of corporate tax – 35 per cent rather than 40 per cent.
VI .C. Companies Limited by Guarantees
When a company is incorporated with the liability of the shareholders limited by guarantee, the shareholder will only be required to pay capital when the company commences its winding up.
VI.C.1. Features of a Guarantee Company
VI.C.1.a) Guarantee company will be wound up if it is unable to discharge its liabilities due to inadequate funds.
VI.C.1.b) Each member who is a shareholder at the time of commencement of winding up is liable to pay an amount prescribed in the memorandum of association.
VI. REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BUSINESS
VII.A. Place of Business
Foreign companies not registered in Bangladesh can set up a place of business in Bangladesh in the form of a Branch Office or a Liaison Office. Permission will be required from the Bangladesh Bank and the BOI in order to open up a Branch Office or a Liaison Office.
VII.B. Foreign Investment
As mentioned earlier, foreign investors may set up an industrial entity which is wholly owned or set up in collaboration with local investors. There is no requirement to obtain prior permission to set up such enterprises if the entrepreneurs use their own funds.
VII.C. Registration of Foreign Direct Investment
Although prior permission is not required, it is advised that a business entity is registered in order to benefit from various facilities and institutional support provided by the government, entrepreneurs and sponsors.
VII.C.1. EPZ or Industrial Estate
If the business is to be set up in an EPZ or industrial estate (see para IV.B), registration must take place with BEPZA or Bangladesh Small Cottage and Industry Corporation (BSCIC).
VII.C.2. Any other Businesses
If the business is to be set up elsewhere, it must register with the BOI.
VII.C.3. Manufacturing Firm
A manufacturing firm employing ten or more workers must also register with the Chief Inspector of Factories and Establishments.
VII.C.4. Businesses Requiring Pre -Registration Clearance
A Pre- Registration Clearance is required for investment in the following areas as FDIs are discouraged in these areas:
VII.C.4.a) Ready- made garments
VII.C.4.b) Banks
VII. C.4.c) Insurance companies
VII.C.4.d)Other financial institutions
VII.D. Environmental Regulations
All industrial and other projects that may be potentially polluting are required, in accordance with the Environment Conservation Act 1995, to undertake some form of environmental impact assessment.
VII.D.1. Environmental Clearance
Environmental clearance must be obtained from the Department of Environment. The process takes 15 days for projects with low levels of potentially adverse impact and 30 days for projects with significant impact.
VII.E. Zonal Restrictions
There are no regional or zonal restrictions on investment.
VII.E.1. Investors can set up businesses in any part of the country except in the areas reserved for the armed forces or declared environmental preserves (e.g., the mangrove forests in the Sunderbans).
VII.E.1. The availability of investment incentives including tariff concessions and tax-holiday periods varies according to location, with the less developed regions providing the best offers.
VII.F. Building and Related Permits
A foreign investor will receive assistance to acquire buildings and industrial plots depending on the nature of the business.
VII.F.1. Businesses in the Ex port Processing Zones (EPZ)
VII.F.1.a) Investors can rent custom- made premises within the EPZs.
VII.F.1.b) Investors need to have the designs of their buildings approved by the city development authorities.
VII.F.2. Businesses outside the EPZs
Investor s requiring industrial plots to set up factories in areas outside of the BEPZA zones and BSCIC estates may approach the BOI for assistance. BOI requirements for providing assistance are as follows:
VII.F.2.a) The company must be registered
VII.F.2.b) The Company must have an industrial lay- out plan to justify actual requirements.
VIII. TERMINATION OF BUSINESS
A company can wind up on its own initiative or the court may intervene to wind up the
company.
VIII.A. Investor’s Decision to Wind up
VIII.A.1. The decision must be made at the annual general meeting or the extraordinary general meeting.
VIII.A.2. The company must inform the public through the Government gazette or a newspaper within 10 days of taking such a decision.
VIII.A.3. The directors of the company must agree to pay off any liabilities of the enterprise within 3 years of the winding up and this agreement must be backed by an auditor’s report.
VIII.A.4. The company can appoint liquidators to pay off its liabilities. After completing the task, the liquidator must prepare a report on the liquidation process and explain how liabilities have been paid off. This report should be submitted to the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies.
VIII.B. Court’s Initiative to Wind up
The Court may, by its own initiative wind up a company if it is satisfied that the company has failed to pay off its liabilities.
VIII.C. Repatriation of Capital
Foreign investors have the right to sell their concerns to local entrepreneurs. Once a foreign investor has completed the formalities to exit the country, (s)he can repatriate the sales proceeds or the balance after securing proper authorization from the Bangladesh Bank. Fully documented applications are disposed of promptly. No approval by the Bank is required for the repatriation of portfolio investment.
IX. LABOUR LEGISLATION, RELATION AND SUPPLY
IX.A. Workforce
Bangladesh offers an abundant supply of disciplined, easily trainable and low- cost work force suitable for any labour – intensive industry. Furthermore, there is an increasing supply of professionals, technologists and other middle and low level skilled workers who have received technical training from universities, colleges, technical training centers and polytechnic institutions.
IX.B. Employment Conditions
IX.B.1. Minimum Age
The minimum age for workers in Bangladesh is 16 years in factories and establishments.
IX.B.2. Contracts
Contracts are made in the form of a letter of offer but workers may also be engaged on verbal agreements.
IX.B.3. ILO Convention
Bangladesh is a member to ILO and both the private and public sectors are encouraged to observe the principles so enunciated in the ILO Convention and Recommendations.
IX.C. Labour Laws
Bangladesh currently has 47 labour laws in force relating to wages and employment, trade union & industrial disputes, working environment and labour administration. The main labour laws are stated below:
IX.C.1. Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923,
IX.C.2. Payment of Wages Act 1936
IX.C.3. Maternity Benefit Act 1936
IX.C.4. Employment of Labour (Standing Orders) Act 1965
IX.C.5. Shops & Establishments Act 1965
IX.C.6.Factories Act 1965
IX.C.7. Industrial Relations Ordinance 1969
IX.D. Settlement of Labour Disputes
IX.D.1. The First Step
Industrial disputes are to be settled and agreed between management and the Collective Bargaining Agent.
IX.D.2. The Second Step
If the Agreement is unsuccessful, the government may intervene on the request of the aggrieved party to start a conciliation process.
IX.D.3. The Third Step
If the conciliation fails, the party who has raised the dispute may opt for strike or lock- out. S uch an action may be prohibited by the government if it relates to essential services such as electricity, gas, emergency services, airports and ports.
IX.E. Wages and Fringe Benefits
Wages and fringe benefits are determined in accordance with the nature of the work and whether it is in the private or the public sector.
IX.E.1. Public Sector
In the public sector, wages and fringe benefits of the workers are determined by the government on the recommendation of the National Wages Commission.
IX.E.2. Private Sector
In the private sector, wages and fringe benefits of the workers and employees are determined through collective bargaining process. Sometimes private industries follow the public sector wages and salary structure for their employees.
IX.F. Leave & Holidays
Leave and holidays of the workers & employees are regulated by the Factories Act 1965 and Shops Establishment Act 1965.
IX.G. Social Security
Workmen Compensation, Maternity Benefit (Tea Estate) Act 1950, Maternity Benefit Act 1939, Employment of Labour (standing orders) Act 1965 deal with provident fund and gratuity.
IX.H. Labour Union
Industrial Relations Ordinance 1969 deals with trade unions in Bangladesh.
IX.H.1. Right to Form an Association
Industrial Relations Ordinance 1969 provides that any worker has the right to form an association/union without previous authorization. However, such an association/union can only function as a trade union if registered under the law.
IX.H.2. Formation
In any industrial and commercial establishment, a trade union may be formed with 30% of the total number of workers employed.
IX.H.3. Disputes
Only the Collective Bargaining Agent is authorized to raise industrial disputes and negotiate with management (see para IX.D).
IX.I. Working Hours
IX.I.1. Hours
48 hour working week (8 ½ hours daily) and Friday as weekly holiday.
IX.I.2. Overtime
Work in excess of 48 hours is paid as overtime. The rate of overtime is double so an hour of overtime work would require the pay of 2 hours work.
X. TAXATION
Similar to other countries in South Asia, Bangladesh has a narrow tax base and the
revenue is generated mainly from indirect taxes.
X.A. Income Tax
There are three income- tax rates, applicable to income above Tk 165,000:
IV.I.1.a) 0% on the first TK 165,000
IV.I.1.b) 10% on the next TK 275,000
IV.I.1.c) 15% on the next Tk 325,000;
IV.I.1.d) 20% on the next Tk 375,000
IV.I.1.e) 25% on the balance
X.B. Corporate Tax
The corporate tax rate is 35 per cent for publicly traded companies and 40 Per cent for all other companies. Corporate tax rates are competitive within the region.
X.C. Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains from the transfer of shares of public limited companies listed with a stock exchange are tax- exempt. In computing capital gain, deductions are made from the full value or sales proceeds or the fair market price (whichever is higher) of the capital assets.
X.D. Dividend Income
The dividend income which is received by shareholders (other than companies) is tax- exempt. However, this benefit is not available to shareholders of private limited companies.
X.E. Royalties
Royalties and technical know- how fees received by any foreign collaborator, firm, company or expert are also tax-exempt.
X.F. VAT
Bangladesh has replaced the sales and excise tax by the more modern value added tax (VAT). The VAT is imposed at a flat rate of 15 per cent. Excise duties do exist on a few items and a turnover tax may be imposed on small-scale activities which cannot be taxed through the VAT.
X.G. Salaries of foreign technicians
Salaries of foreign technicians are tax exempt for a period of 3 years from the date of their arrival in Bangladesh provided their salaries are for services stipulated under a contract approved by the National Board of Revenue. A technician in this context is a person with specialized knowledge and experience in the industrial arts and sciences.
XI. EXCHANGE and REMITTING FUNDS
XI. Current Transactions
The Bangladesh Taka was declared convertible for current account transactions in March 1994. As a result, payment settlements against trade in goods and services have been freely permitted.
XI.A. The Role of Authorized Dealers (AD)
XI.A.1. ADs can settle payments for all imports in conformity with the Import Policy.
XI.A.2. ADs can settle payments abroad for freights and passages, technical service fees and royalties and issue foreign exchange for travel abroad by residents.
XI.B. Remittances
Before effecting remittances, ADs must scrutinize the remittance request to be satisfied that these represent bona fide current transactions and are not disguised attempts to circumvent capital transfer restrictions.
XI.B.1. Remittance of Profits
Branches of foreign firms/companies including foreign banks, insurance companies and financial institutions are free to remit their post- tax profits to their head offices without prior approval of Bangladesh Bank.
XI.B.2. Remittance of Salaries and Savings by Expatriates
Expatriates working in Bangladesh with the approval of the Government may remit through an AD up to 50 per cent of their salaries and 100% of leave salaries including actual savings and admissible pension benefits. No prior Bangladesh Bank approval is necessary for such remittances.
XI.C. Convertibility on Trade Accounts
Bangladesh Taka is fully convertible for settlements of trade related transactions. Import license is not required for import of items not in the control list. An importer has automatic access to foreign exchange for import of all items outside the control list and also for import of control list items as per general or specific authorization of the office of the Chief Controller of Imports and Exports.
XI.D. Exchange Facilities for Exporters
IX.D.1. Merchandise Exporters
Merchandise exporters may retain up to 50 per cent of the realized FOB value of their exports in foreign-currency accounts.
IX.D.2 Exporters with High Import Items
For export items with high import contents (such as naptha, furnace oil, bitumen, readymade garments etc.), the retention quota is 10%.
IX.D.3. Service Exporters
Service exporters may retain 5% of their repatriated income in foreign currency accounts. Funds may be drawn from these accounts to meet expenses for bonafide business expenses abroad. This quota may also be kept in interest bearing renewable term deposit accounts.
XII. IMMIGRATION
XII.A. Immigration Procedure
Business visitors to Bangladesh will require a visa. The visa has to be obtained from the Bangladeshi diplomatic mission in the visa applicant’s country. Bangladesh issues the following categories of business visas:
XII.A.1. Single- entry for three months
XII.A.2. Multiple-entry for three months
XII.A.3. Multiple-entry for six months
XII.A.4. Multiple-entry for one year
XII.B. Landing Permit / Visa on Arrival (LP/VOA)
Foreign investors and businesspersons can apply for a LP/VOA on arrival at the Shahjalal International Airport for a duration of 30 days provided:
XII.B.1. The foreign investor is identified by a certificate issued by BOI, BEPZA or the Ministry of Industries
XII.B.2.The foreign businessperson who is directly associated with import of Bangladeshi products is identified by a certificate from the relevant associations of export- oriented commercial/industrial organizations (ie- Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) or the Bangladesh Garment Manufacture and Export Association (BGMEA)).
XII.B.3. LP/VOA cannot be extended under any circumstances.
XII.B.4. The LP/VOA applicant must have $500 endorsed in his/her passport or in cash.
XII.B.5. The LP/VOA applicant must have a return ticket.
XII.C. Work Permits
In order to employ a foreign national, it is imperative that the employer obtain a work permit. The following are the conditions need to be fulfilled before applying for a work permit:
XII.C.1. Nationality of Employee
All nationalities, except for Israeli citizens will be permitted to undertake employment in Bangladesh.
XII.C.2. Registered Industrial Establishments
Employment of expatriate personnel should only be considered in industrial establishments which are sanctioned/registered by the appropriate authority.
XII.C.3. Minimum Age of Foreign Employee
Persons below 18 years of age are not eligible for employment.
XII.C.4. Local Experts not Available
Employment of foreign nationals is normally considered for jobs in which local experts/technicians are not available.
XII.C.5. Decision made by the Board of Directors
The work permit application must include the decision of the Board of Directors to take on new employees.
XII.C.6. Maximum number of Foreign Employees
Number of foreign employees should not exceed 15% of the total employees including top management personnel.
XII.C.7. Duration of Employment
Initially employment of any foreign national is considered for a term of 2 years which could then be extended on the basis of merit of the case.
XII.C.8. Security Clearance
Security clearance must be obtained from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
XIII. CONTACT DETAILS
XIII.A. Embassies and Consulates
XIII.A .1. Embassy of the Islamic State of Afghanistan
House CWN (c)2A, Road 24,
Gulshan, Dhaka- 1212
Telephone : 603232, 601770 Fax : (880-2) 9884767
XIII.A .2 Australian High Commission
184 Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka- 1212
Telephone : 8813101- 5
Fax : (880-2) 8811125
XIII.A .3. Royal Bhutanese Embassy
House F5 (SE),
Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka- 1212
Telephone : 886863, 887160
Fax : (880-2) 8813939
XIII.A .4. Canadian High Commission
House 16/A, Road 48,
Gulshan, Dhaka G.P.O Box 569
Telephone : 9887091- 7, 883639
Fax : (880-2) 8813043
XIII.A .5. Embassy of the People’s Republic of China
Plot 2 & 4, Road 3, Block 1,
Baridhara, Dhaka
Telephone : 8814862, 8814164
Fax : (880-2) 8813004
XIII.A .6. Royal Danish Embassy
House 1, Road 51, Gulshan, Dhaka
Telephone : 8811799, 8812499, 8812599, 8812699
Fax : (880-2) 8813638
XIII.A.7.Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt
House NE (N) 9, Road 90,
Gulshan Model Town, Dhaka- 1212
Telephone : 8812766- 7
Fax : (880-2) 8814883
XIII.A.8.Embassy of the Republic of France
House 18, Road 108, Gulshan, Dhaka-1212
Telephone : 607083, 605890
Fax : (880-2) 8813612
XIII.A.9.Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany
178, Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan,
G.P.O Box 108, Dhaka- 1212
Telephone : 8814735- 37
Fax : (880-2) 8813141
XIII.A.10.Embassy of the Holy See (Vatican)
United Nation Road 2, Baridhara Diplomatic Enclave P.O. Box
6003 Gulshan, Dhaka-1212
Telephone : 8812018, 8812143
Fax : (880-2) 8813574
XIII.A.11.High Commission of India
House 120, Road 2, Dhanmondi R/A, Dhaka-1205
Telephone : 8615373, 8615966, 8616171
Fax : (880-2) 8613662, 8617186
XIII.A.12Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
75, Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan Dhaka-1212
Telephone : 9881640, 9881641
Fax : (880-2) 8815391
XIII.A.13.Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran
House 7, Road 6, Baridhara, Dhaka- 1212
Telephone : 8815948, 8815896, 603948
Fax : (880-2) 8818780
XIII.A.14.Embassy of the Republic of Iraq
House 8, Road 59, Gulshan- 2, Dhaka-1212
Telephone : 600298- 9
Fax : (880-2) 8813277
XIII.A.15.Embassy of the Republic of Italy
Plot 2/3, Road 74/79 Gulshan Model Town, Dhaka
Telephone : 8812781/3 PABX
Fax : (880-2) 8812578
XIII.A.16.Embassy of Japan
Plot 5 & 7, Dutabash Road, Diplomatic Enclave,
Baridhara,
Dhaka-1212
Telephone : 8810087
Fax : (880-2) 8816737
XIII.A.17.Embassy of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
House 6, Road 7, Baridhara, Dhaka
Telephone : 8811893
Fax : (880-2) 8810813
XIII.A.18.Embassy of the Republic of Korea
4 Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka
Telephone : 8812088- 90, 8812041
Fax : (880-2) 8813871
XIII.A.19.Embassy of the State of Kuwait
SE(D)- 5,26, South Link Road, Gulshan, Dhaka-1212
Telephone : 8812700- 03 PABX
Fax : (880-2) 8813753
XIII.A.20.People’s Bureau of the Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya
4- CWN (C) Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka- 1212
Telephone : 600148, 600149 PABX
Fax : (880-2) 8813417
XIII.A.21.High Commission of Malaysia
House 19, Road 6, Baridhara, Dhaka
Telephone : 8817760, 8817759
Fax : (880-2) 8813115, 8817761
XIII.A.22.Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco
House 44, United Nations Road, Baridhara, Dhaka
Telephone : 8813176, 9880329
Fax : (880-2) 8810018
XIII.A.23.Embassy of the Union of Myanmar
House 106, Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan, Dhaka
Telephone : 601461, 601915
Fax :
XIII.A.24.Royal Nepalese Embassy
United Nations Road, Road 2, Baridhara Diplomatic Enclave,
Dhaka
Telephone : 601890, 602091, 601790
Fax : (880-2) 8816401
XIII.A.25.Royal Netherlands Embassy
House 49, Road 90, Gulshan, Dhaka
Telephone : 8812715
Fax : (880-2) 8813326
XIII.A.26.Royal Norwegian Embassy
House 9, Road 111, Gulshan, Dhaka
Telephone : 8813065, 8813880, 8810563
Fax : (880-2) 8813661
XIII.A.27.High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
House NEO 2, Road 71, Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka- 1212
Telephone : 8815388- 89 PABX
Fax : (880-2) 8813677
XIII.A.28.Embassy of the State of Palestine
CES(C)-4, Road 118, Gulshan Model Town, Dhaka
Telephone : 603016, 603308
Fax : (880-2) 8813517
XIII.A.29.Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
House 6, Road 101, Gulshan 2, Dhaka
Telephone : 605945, 600077, 8813686
Fax : (880-2) 8813097
XIII.A.30.Embassy of the Republic of Poland
House 111, Road 4, Banani, Dhaka
Telephone : 608503, 8815895
Fax : (880-2) 8817568
XIII.A.31.Embassy of the State of Qatar
House 23, Road 108, Gulshan, Dhaka
Telephone : 604477- 78
Fax : 8813950
XIII.A.32. Embassy of Romania
House 33, Road 74, Gulshan, Dhaka-1212
Telephone : 8812502, 600128
Fax : (880-2) 8812502
XIII.A.33.Embassy of the Russian Federation
House NE(J)9, Road 79, Gulshan, Dhaka- 1212
Telephone : 8818147, 601050, 8818142
Fax : (880-2) 8813735
XIII.A.34.Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia
House 12 (NE)N, Road 92, Gulshan North Avenue, Dhaka- 1212
Telephone : 8819124- 31, 8816989
Fax : (880-2) 8813616
XIII.A.35.Consulate of the Republic of Singapore
House 15, Road 68/A, Gulshan- 2, Dhaka-1212
Telephone : 9880404, 9880337
Fax : (880-2) 9883666
XIII.A.36.The High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
House 15, Road 50, Gulshan- 2, Dhaka
Telephone : 870779, 603048, 8812790
Fax : 8813971
XIII.A.37.Embassy of Sweden
House- 1, Road 51, Gulshan, Dhaka
Telephone : 8814761- 64, 8810220
Fax : (880-2) 8813948
XIII.A.38.Embassy of Switzerland
House 31- B, Road 18, Banani, Dhaka-1213
Telephone : 872874- 6
Fax : (880-2) 8813872
XIII.A.39.Royal Thai Embassy
H- NW(D)-4, Road 58/62, Gulshan Model Town, Dhaka
Telephone : 872795- 96, 873260
Fax : (880-2) 8813588
XIII.A.40.Embassy of the Republic of Turkey