Published : 27 October 2026
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Updated : 27 October 2026, 02:56
Rejaul Karim Byron
The government will hold roadshows in London, New York and Hong Kong in preparation for the sovereign bond issue.
The development comes after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman gave approval earlier this month to the issuance of sovereign bond of less than $1 billion, The Daily Star has learnt from finance ministry officials involved with the proceedings.
The coupon rate, the duration of the roadshows and other modalities are yet to be finalised.
Since Bangladesh is issuing sovereign bonds for the first time, there is no reference rate. So, the coupon rate will be finalised after discussion with issue managers.
American investment bank JP Morgan and Hong Kong-based consultancy firm Bridgeworks International will be commissioned to facilitate the bond issue and provide technical support.
JP Morgan will manage the selection of legal counsel and trustees, prepare the offering circular, organise investor roadshows, market the issue and determine the optimal timing and issue structure.
It will also advise the government on liaising with international credit rating agencies.
JP Morgan’s final commission will be negotiated between both parties.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, approved in-principle two separate proposals for their appointment.
The government is also exploring Japanese yen-denominated Samurai Bonds and Chinese yuan-denominated Panda Bonds alongside US dollar-based Eurobonds.
The development comes after the government in July formed an eight-member high-level inter-ministerial committee led by Tanvir Ghani, PM’s special assistant on investment and capital market affairs, to assess the feasibility of issuing sovereign bonds.
The move comes as part of broader institutional reforms to reduce reliance on debt financing and boost equity-based foreign direct investment.
The government is implementing policy and institutional reforms to make public debt management more efficient, cost-effective and sustainable while keeping medium-term debt risks within acceptable limits, said the finance ministry proposal.
Entering international capital markets aims to diversify funding sources, extend debt maturity profiles, mitigate refinancing and rollover risks and build a strong foundation for long-term financing.
The government is appointing Hong Kong-based Bridgeworks International to advise on capital market reforms and attract foreign investment for a one-year tenure.
Bridgeworks will also advise Bangladesh on sovereign bonds, investment funds, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, data centres, renewable energy and mega-infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, an international debt conference is set to take place in Cox’s Bazar by the middle of next month.
The conference will be jointly organised by the Asian Development Bank and the government. Representatives from 30 countries have been invited to attend the event.