Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said there is no alternative to investment to revive the country’s economy and overcome the ongoing economic crisis.

He made the remarks on Saturday (August 22) at a seminar on the biannual economic situation for fiscal year 2026, organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) in Motijheel, Dhaka.

The finance minister said the government is working to create an investment-friendly environment to attract both domestic and foreign investment. He stressed that foreign investors will not gain confidence unless domestic investment also increases.

Regarding the energy crisis, Amir Khosru said the government is taking all possible measures to address the situation, but a quick solution is not possible. He added that the situation is expected to improve gradually.

He reiterated that increasing investment is essential to overcoming the current economic crisis. The government is therefore focusing on creating a more favorable environment for investment.

Amir Khosru said Bangladesh’s economic growth in the past was largely driven by the private sector. He added that the BNP’s fundamental philosophy is based on private-sector-led growth.

According to him, the private sector will drive economic growth, while the government’s role will be to create the necessary environment and provide support and facilities.

He said, “We are trying to do this work together with all of you. The entire issue is actually related to investment. There is no way out of this without investment.”

Emphasizing deregulation to improve the business environment, the finance minister said merely announcing policies would not be enough; their effective implementation must also be ensured.

He said the government is working to address unnecessary regulations and barriers faced by businesses. An initiative is also underway to launch a website where businesses can report obstacles they encounter.

The finance minister also urged business organizations to take responsibility for addressing the problems faced by their members and to play an active role in resolving those issues.