Business Environment in Bangladesh
Our consulting services tackle key challenges and opportunities across strategy, accounting, bookkeeping, M&A, business establishment, legal compliance, corporate law, and more
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Understanding the Business Climate and Culture in Bangladesh
Doing business in Bangladesh offers immense opportunities, especially with its young, growing population and expanding middle class. The country’s market size is significant, with a population of over 170 million people, making it the eighth-largest country in the world by population. With a rapidly urbanizing society, increasing purchasing power, and a growing appetite for modern goods and services, Bangladesh presents a vast and diverse consumer market. Additionally, the middle class is expanding, contributing to rising demand for consumer products, technology, education, healthcare, and financial services.
However, succeeding in this market requires patience, an understanding of local customs, and the ability to navigate regulatory challenges. A strong local presence and personal relationships are critical to success, as trust and familiarity play a central role in business dealings. Understanding the business climate and culture in Bangladesh can significantly enhance a company’s chances of thriving in this rapidly developing market.
Customer Profile and Demographics
Bangladesh has a population of approximately 170.01 million people, out of which 51.4% are women (DataReportal, 2022). The median age in Bangladesh is 27.6 years as of 2022 (DataReportal), not 40.9 years, which would be more typical of aging populations in developed countries. In terms of age distribution, 70% of people are aged between 15 and 64, 14% are over 65, and 16% are under 15 years old (World Bank, 2021).
There is a strong emphasis on familial connections in Bangladesh, and often several generations live under the same roof. However, the average household size is 4.4 persons per household (UN, latest data available). While larger families are still common, recent trends show that only 9% of households consist of six people or more, 18% are one-person households, 45% have two or three people, and 28% have four or five inhabitants.
About 38% of the population is urban, meaning 62% live in rural areas (World Bank, 2022). The main cities in Bangladesh include Dhaka (the capital), Chattogram (Chittagong), Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Barisal.
Education remains a challenge in terms of quality and equity, especially in under-resourced rural areas. Bangladesh has an adult literacy rate of approximately 74.9% (UNESCO, 2021), not 93.8% as previously stated. About 99% of children complete primary education, but only 86% complete lower secondary, and 47% complete upper secondary (UNICEF, 2019). At the end of lower secondary education, only 50% of students reach the minimum proficiency level in reading, and 46% in mathematics.
The majority of the population has incomplete secondary education (~60%). Despite historical challenges, Bangladesh has made significant progress in increasing school enrolment across all education levels. Tertiary enrolment rates have risen considerably in recent years, though they are not yet among the highest in ASEAN.
Can you integrate the accounting system with PND (Personal Income Tax) and PP30 (VAT) filing systems used in Bangladesh?
Do you offer training in Bangla anguage for our accounting team?
Can you help us with setting up withholding tax (PND 3, 53) calculations within the system?
Can the system handle multi-currency transactions, especially for businesses dealing with international clients in Bangladesh?
Do you provide ongoing support after the system setup, especially for updates related to changes in Bangladesh accounting standards?
Can the system be integrated with our existing Bangladesh bank accounts for seamless bank reconciliation?
Our Role in the Bangladesh Business Environment
As Bangladesh grows as a business hub in Southeast Asia, TCF Bangladesh supports companies aiming to leverage this potential. Through our subsidiaries—IAPF, TCF Legal, and TCF HR—we provide expertise in accounting, legal services, HR, and auditing. With a deep understanding of local regulations, we offer tailored strategic and operational support to help businesses thrive in the Bangladeshi market.
Growing Industries in Bangladesh
Our Services
Tokyo Consulting Firm Bangladesh offers expert Tax Assessment services to help individuals and businesses accurately calculate, file, and manage their income tax and VAT obligations in compliance with the latest Bangladesh tax regulations. Our team ensures your tax assessment is thorough, timely, and optimized, safeguarding you from penalties and improving financial planning.
- Up-to-Date Compliance: Stay aligned with the latest tax rates and regulations effective for the assessment years 2025-2026 and beyond, including updated income tax slabs and VAT rules.
- Accurate Tax Calculation: Benefit from precise calculations of taxable income, corporate taxes, VAT liabilities, and applicable exemptions or rebates.
- Trusted Expertise: Trusted by numerous Japanese and international clients for comprehensive taxation support in Bangladesh.
Tokyo Consulting Firm Bangladesh provides specialized Seller Side Financial Advisory (FA) Services to support business owners and companies aiming to sell or divest assets, business units, or their entire company. Our expert advisory ensures you maximize value, minimize risks, and achieve a smooth transaction aligned with your strategic objectives.
- Buyer Identification & Screening
- Strategic Negotiations
- Confidentiality & Compliance
Tokyo Consulting Firm Bangladesh offers comprehensive Analysis of Business Environment services to help your company understand the economic, regulatory, social, and competitive factors that influence business success in Bangladesh. Our expert insights enable you to navigate risks, identify growth opportunities, and develop strategies tailored to the local market landscape.
- Holistic Assessment: We evaluate all critical dimensions including political stability, economic trends, legal frameworks, market dynamics, and cultural factors.
- Customized Insights: Our analysis is tailored to your industry, scale, and strategic goals to ensure practical and actionable recommendations.
- Reliable Data & Expertise: Combining up-to-date data with experienced local knowledge, we provide you with clear guidance to make informed decisions.
Tokyo Consulting Firm Bangladesh delivers expert Economic and Social Analysis Services to help your organization understand Bangladesh’s dynamic environment and make strategic decisions for growth and investment. Our specialized team provides in-depth, data-driven insights into macroeconomic trends, sectoral performance, demographic dynamics, and key social indicators shaping the country’s landscape in 2025.
- Data-Driven Insights
- Informed Decision Making
- Risk Management
Starting a business in Bangladesh requires navigating various legal, regulatory, and administrative processes. Our Company Setup & Business Licensing service ensures that your business is established legally, quickly, and efficiently.
- Establishing Robust Legal Frameworks for Trust and Accountability
- Optimizing Legal Processes Through Strategic Analysis and Compliance
- Minimizing Legal Exposure and Ensuring Regulatory Risk Mitigation
Tokyo Consulting Firm Bangladesh, a subsidiary of Tokyo Consulting Group since 2007, offers Audit and Assurance Services to ensure financial transparency and regulatory compliance for businesses in Bangladesh. Trusted by over 50 Japanese clients, our team of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and audit experts delivers tailored solutions to enhance governance and build stakeholder confidence.
- Expert Compliance: Ensure adherence to Bangladesh’s financial regulations with our experienced audit professionals.
- Tailored Solutions: Receive customized audit services to meet your business size, industry, and compliance needs.
- Trusted by Global Clients: Join over 50 Japanese and international businesses relying on our proven expertise.
Tokyo Consulting Firm Bangladesh provides expert Research Work Related New Law and Regulations support to help your organization stay up to date with the latest legal and regulatory changes affecting market research and business operations in Bangladesh. Our service enables you to navigate complex regulatory frameworks, ensuring your projects comply with local laws and regulatory policies.
- Comprehensive Updates: We monitor and interpret new legislation including labor laws, environmental regulations, tax reforms, and foreign investment policies impacting business and market research.
- Practical Compliance Guidance: Our experts translate legal changes into actionable compliance measures tailored to your industry and operational needs.
- Trusted Legal Advisors: Drawing from experience with numerous multinational and Japanese clients, we provide precise insights on emerging regulatory challenges.
Whether you are looking to expand your business or enter new markets, our Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) service provides comprehensive support through every stage of the process. From due diligence to contract negotiations, we ensure that the M&A process is smooth and legally compliant.
- Establishing Robust Legal Frameworks for Trust and Accountability
- Optimizing Legal Processes Through Strategic Analysis and Compliance
- Minimizing Legal Exposure and Ensuring Regulatory Risk Mitigation
