Bangladesh Eyes $100M from Orange Climate Fund for Growth and Employment

Bangladesh could secure up to $100 million from the proposed Orange Climate Fund to boost sustainable economic growth and job creation. The investment prospect was announced at the Orange Economy Summit 2026 in Dhaka on Tuesday, where leaders discussed using impact investments to fund the country's development priorities.

The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Impact Investment Exchange (IIX), and the Policy Research Institute (PRI) jointly organized the event. Discussions focused on building an inclusive financial ecosystem and attracting global capital to support Bangladesh's economic transformation.

Bangladesh Bank Deputy Governor Dr. Md. Habibur Rahman attended as the chief guest, joining senior government officials, regulators, and international experts.

Professor Durreen Shahnaz, founder and CEO of IIX, identified Bangladesh as a priority market for their proposed $1 billion Orange Climate Fund. She noted that transitioning from a least-developed country to a trillion-dollar economy requires a robust capital market.

"Bangladesh has immense opportunities in ready-made garments, agriculture, renewable energy, and financial services," she said, emphasizing that deepening the capital market is critical to unlocking long-term investments.

The global "Orange Movement" aims to mobilize $10 billion by 2030, balancing financial returns with measurable social and environmental impact. Over the past decade, IIX has channeled over $18 million into Bangladesh, including support for the country's first Orange Bond.

DSE Managing Director Nuzhat Anwar stressed that sustainable development must balance economic growth with climate resilience and social inclusion. She reaffirmed the stock exchange's commitment to promoting sustainable finance and strong corporate governance.

PRI Chief Economist Dr. M. Ashiqur Rahman highlighted ongoing challenges in job creation and climate adaptation. He noted that structural constraints in banking and capital markets limit long-term funding. Orange capital, he argued, offers a practical framework to direct investments into sectors that provide economic, social, and environmental benefits simultaneously.

Dr. Habibur Rahman reaffirmed the central bank's commitment to financial inclusion, women’s empowerment, and attracting sustainable capital. He praised the recent issuance of the country's first Orange Zero-Coupon Bond through the Sajida Foundation, calling it a landmark step toward building a broader impact-investment ecosystem in Bangladesh.