iDE Bangladesh launches private sector engagement strategy

Non-governmental organisation iDE Bangladesh unveiled its "Private Sector Engagement Strategy 2025-2030" today, stating that it aims to promote inclusive, resilient, and market-driven development across the country.

The strategy is said to build on iDE Bangladesh's decade-long track record of partnering with businesses to develop scalable and inclusive solutions in agriculture, sanitation, clean energy, and climate resilience.

It also reaffirms iDE Bangladesh's commitment to adaptive, results-driven collaboration with enterprises of all sizes — from global corporations to local micro-entrepreneurs — to unlock sustainable innovations that benefit underserved communities and ensure that markets work for all.

The strategy was made public through a "Catalysing Markets: iDE Bangladesh Private Sector Engagement Summit 2025" at Le Meridien Dhaka.

Hossain Zillur Rahman, executive chairman of the Power and Participation Research Centre, chairperson of BRAC, and a former caretaker government adviser, inaugurated the summit.

He described the strategy as a timely and visionary initiative aligned with national development priorities and critical for fostering sustainable and inclusive growth.

"By integrating innovation into market systems and empowering local entrepreneurs, iDE is demonstrating how development can be effective, sustainable, and scalable — driving entrepreneurship and expansion," he said.

Rahman further noted that collaboration between development partners and the private sector is essential to building a resilient society and advancing equity.

"This strategy is more than just a document — it reflects iDE's commitment to working in partnership with the private sector to co-create solutions that drive both commercial success and social impact," said Sameer Karki, country director of iDE Bangladesh.

"It outlines a shared vision for how businesses and development actors can collaborate to unlock new opportunities, strengthen market systems, and uplift underserved communities," he said.

"This summit marks the beginning of a more strategic, inclusive, and collaborative chapter in our journey toward sustainable development," he added.

Speakers shared insights on the evolving role of the private sector in addressing development challenges and building more equitable economic systems.

Among them were Uzma Chowdhury, director (finance) of PRAN-RFL Group; Mohammad Mohiuddin Ahmed, additional general manager of Social Marketing Company (SMC); Kazi Md Safayet Kabir, senior executive vice-president of NRBC Bank PLC; Sadid Jamil, managing director of Metal Private Ltd; and Nitai Pada Saha, CEO of Rural Services Foundation.

Key features of the summit included discussions on market systems development, and the signing of several memoranda of understanding with private sector partners to foster shared value and inclusive business growth.

An exhibition was also held through 14 booths, showcasing innovations co-developed with iDE and featuring companies from sectors such as agriculture, WASH, renewable energy, nutrition, and fintech.

Around 200 participants, including government officials, academics, business leaders, and representatives from development partners and NGOs, attended the summit.

Prominent private sector entities such as PRAN-RFL Group, ACI, SMC, Lal Teer Seed Ltd, NRBC Bank, Rural Services Foundation, Rahimafrooz, Ispahani Agro, BRAC, Grameen Danone Foods Ltd, Care Nutrition Ltd, and Safepad were among those represented.

International donor agencies, including the World Bank, FCDO, UNICEF, GIZ, UNDP, the European Union, SDC and the Italian and Danish embassies, were also present.