Working in Bangladesh

Despite recent political instability, Bangladesh remains one of South Asia's fastest-growing economies. Expats seeking to work in Bangladesh are often drawn by the attractive salary packages and the country's relatively low cost of living.

That said, as an emerging economy, Bangladesh may not offer many of the creature comforts expats are used to, so it's essential to be prepared for everything that comes with working there. Nevertheless, with a thriving job market, a demand for specialised skills, and a diverse work culture, Bangladesh offers a unique professional experience.  

Job market in Bangladesh 

Bangladesh has seen impressive growth in the textiles and garments, information technology, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and finance industries. Additionally, infrastructure development and energy sectors are expanding, creating openings for professionals with technical expertise. If you have expertise in production management and supply chain logistics, you may find a wealth of opportunities in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.  

If you're looking to work in Bangladesh, you will be delighted to find that English is widely used in the corporate sector, particularly in multinational companies, NGOs, and IT firms. Be that as it may, knowledge of Bengali (Bangla), the official language, can be advantageous when working with local businesses and government entities.  

Dhaka is Bangladesh's primary commercial centre, home to many multinational companies and corporate headquarters. Expats may also base themselves in Chittagong, Bangladesh's largest port city. Depending on which industry an expat works in, both these cities provide various opportunities.

Finding a job in Bangladesh 

Finding a job in Bangladesh requires a strategic approach. Most expats move to the country with a job, while others move on an intra-company transfer. 

International companies, NGOs, and multinational organisations operating in the country usually hire foreign professionals for specialised roles. You can explore job opportunities through online job portals, professional networking sites like LinkedIn, and company websites. Major job portals in Bangladesh include Bdjobs.com and MyJob.com. 

Recruitment agencies are not as popular as in some Western countries, but a few international firms and specialised headhunters operate in the market, particularly for executive-level roles. You may also benefit from networking with industry professionals and attending business events to connect with potential employers. 

Expats must obtain a work visa and work permit before starting employment in Bangladesh. Generally, the employer sponsors these documents, which the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) issues. Expats must secure the necessary documentation, as working without proper authorisation can lead to serious legal problems and fines. 

Useful links 

• Bdjobs.com 
• MyJobs.com 
• LinkedIn  

Work culture in Bangladesh 

Bangladesh's work culture varies across industries but is typically hierarchical and relationship-driven. In corporate environments, respect for seniority and authority is important, and decision-making is often centralised at the top levels of management.  

As is typically the case in most Asian countries, Bangladesh emphasises teamwork and harmony in the workplace over individual accomplishments. Expats may find that building strong personal relationships with colleagues and business partners is crucial to professional success. 

Business meetings frequently include informal discussions before getting to the main agenda, as building rapport is highly valued. It's also fairly common for business associates to arrive late to meetings or for meetings to run over time. We recommend exercising patience in any of these instances. 

Working hours in Bangladesh typically follow a Sunday to Thursday schedule, with Friday and Saturday as the weekend. Longer working hours are common in the garment and manufacturing industries, whereas NGOs and IT firms may offer more flexible schedules.