Bangladesh has been ranked 29th out of 50 countries in the World Bank’s inaugural B-Ready Index, which is set to replace the discontinued Ease of Doing Business report. The new index, presented in a draft at a World Bank executive meeting in July, assesses business environments based on regulatory framework, public services, and operational efficiency, as reported by TBS.
The B-Ready Index highlights Bangladesh’s strong performance in operational efficiency with a score of 70.49, but reveals moderate scores in regulatory framework (56.99) and lower scores in public services (41.46). The country trails behind Nepal and Indonesia but fares better than Pakistan, which is ranked 37th. Estonia and Singapore lead the index with top scores across all three pillars. In comparison, Vietnam, a key competitor for Bangladesh in the global apparel market, scores higher in public services, contributing to its superior overall performance.
The B-Ready Index is part of the World Bank’s new approach to evaluating business environments, aiming to provide independent assessments and actionable insights for policymakers. The initial report covers 50 countries, with plans to expand to 112 in 2025 and 185 in 2026. This new evaluation system is intended to guide countries in improving their business environments to support private sector growth and job creation. The World Bank’s emphasis on a business-friendly environment underscores the importance of effective regulations, quality public services, and operational efficiency in fostering economic development.
In response to the B-Ready Index, Bangladesh’s Investment Development Authority (Bida) Chief Lokman Hossain Miah expressed concerns about the report’s methodology, stating that the World Bank did not consult local authorities before finalizing the report. The previous Ease of Doing Business report, last published in 2020, ranked Bangladesh 168th out of 190 economies. Despite improvements in business registration and electricity connection, the country faced significant challenges in property registration and contract enforcement.
As Bangladesh prepares for its transition from the LDC status in 2026, the B-Ready Index highlights both achievements and areas needing improvement. The report suggests that while Bangladeshi businesses are resilient in operational efficiency, enhancements in regulatory frameworks and public services could further boost the country’s business environment. The World Bank aims to use the B-Ready Index to drive reforms and create a more favorable environment for private sector investment and growth.
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