"BIDA and Police Ensure Full Safety and Security for Top Foreign Investors, Offer Dedicated Contact Lines"

Bangladesh Police announced today that foreign investors will have direct access to dedicated emergency contact lines, allowing businesses to report incidents and receive immediate support. This development follows a meeting led by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Baharul Alam and BIDA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, with officials from six foreign companies whose facilities were damaged during recent protests over Gaza attacks, according to a press release from the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

The meeting, which brought together executives from major companies including Nestle Bangladesh, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Beverages, Unilever Bangladesh, Bata, Reckitt Benckiser Bangladesh, PepsiCo, and Jubilant Food Works, was co-chaired by the IGP and BIDA leadership. The vandalism occurred on April 7-8 in several cities, and police have since arrested at least 140 individuals and filed multiple cases related to the attacks.

BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury highlighted the significance of the meeting, calling it not only timely but also unprecedented. He emphasized that it was a strong statement of Bangladesh's commitment to protecting its investors, particularly during challenging times. "The companies we met with directly support thousands of jobs, and while we respect the right to protest, vandalism is not the answer," he said. Chowdhury also commended the police for their swift action and support.

During the meeting, company representatives shared their experiences of vandalism and operational disruptions. In response, the police committed to providing dedicated emergency contact lines for these businesses to ensure immediate assistance in the future. IGP Baharul Alam reassured business leaders of full cooperation from law enforcement, emphasizing their role in both responding to incidents and building long-term confidence in Bangladesh’s investment climate.

The discussion led to the development of a set of preventive measures, including new security protocols, rapid response units, and enhanced communication channels. These initiatives, created in collaboration with BIDA, the police, and business associations, are designed to build resilience and trust in the country’s investment environment.

“This dialogue is about prevention, not just reaction,” said Ashik Chowdhury, underscoring the government’s commitment to supporting investors not only during periods of growth but also through difficult situations. Corporate leaders expressed renewed confidence in continuing their operations and expanding in Bangladesh, appreciating the swift response from both BIDA and the police.

This initiative aligns with BIDA’s broader goal of making Bangladesh a safe, sustainable, and attractive destination for investment.