Dhaka:The government of Bangladesh plans to introduce an integrated Single Window System to expedite the approval process for industrial establishments. This initiative aims to minimize bureaucratic delays, reduce investment costs, and enhance the country's appeal to both domestic and foreign investors.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the proposed system will consolidate approvals for construction, fire safety, environmental, land, and building plans into a single online platform. This will allow entrepreneurs to submit applications through one channel, avoiding the need to approach multiple government agencies separately.
Under the new system, relevant agencies will be required to submit their reports online within set deadlines following necessary inspections. Approvals will then be issued through the same platform based on these reports. Additionally, the government plans to handle site and environmental clearance applications online, with specific timelines for verification, inspections, consultations, and issuance of clearances.
The initiative will also include a Risk Assessment System to expedite services for low-risk cases while maintaining necessary scrutiny for high-risk applications. This aims to reduce the waiting time, costs, and uncertainties faced by entrepreneurs, without compromising verification standards.
Furthermore, the government intends to simplify compliance requirements for micro, small, and new entrepreneurs, particularly those in the informal sector. The proposed compliance framework will feature easy-to-follow guidelines, online support, fixed fees, and simplified renewal arrangements to encourage formalization.
To ensure effective implementation and oversight of these deregulation initiatives, a high-level task force will be established, along with a dedicated website for progress monitoring and complaint resolution. The planned reforms are expected to enhance coordination among government agencies, improve service delivery, and address delays in tax compliance, customs, external transactions, and other approval processes.
These efforts are seen as crucial for Bangladesh as it prepares for increased competition following its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. The reforms aim to support export diversification, attract investment, create employment, and promote sustainable economic growth.