Bangladesh has launched a new national brand, 'Created in Bangladesh,' aimed at transforming the country's creative industry into a significant sector for employment, entrepreneurship, economic growth, and national branding. This initiative was announced in the national budget for the fiscal year 2026-27 (FY27), which highlights the creative economy as a key area for investment in human resource development and future welfare.
Objectives and Goals
The primary goal of the 'Created in Bangladesh' brand is to showcase the country's creative potential at international festivals and markets, helping local creative individuals and institutions establish a strong global presence. The government aims to increase the contribution of the creative economy to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 1.5% and create 500,000 new jobs in this sector.
Financial Allocation and Infrastructure Development
An initial allocation of 300 crore Taka has been proposed for the expansion of the creative economy sector. Additionally, 500 crore Taka will be collected from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) sector of Bangladesh Bank. The strategy includes investment, infrastructure development, market access, and tax incentives to create a supportive environment for creative entrepreneurs, content creators, and artists.
Modern Infrastructure and Creative Hubs
The initiative will focus on developing modern infrastructure, including the establishment of international-standard, technology-driven film studios to enhance the film industry and increase participation in Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. A world-class Central Creative Hub will be built on 160 acres of land in Purbachal, Dhaka, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Regional creative hubs will also be established at the divisional, district, and upazila levels, with activities extended to the Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
Support for Local Content Creators and Traditional Crafts
The government will assist local content creators and institutions in entering international markets. Traditional artisans involved in handicrafts, woven goods, Shital Pati, and other heritage crafts will be integrated into the global value chain under the 'One-Village, One-Product' initiative. Tax incentives have been proposed in the budget to encourage the sector, including making all income from content creation tax-free and withdrawing the existing 15% Value Added Tax (VAT) on services provided by content creators and freelancers.
Vision for a Global Competitive Creative Economy
Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury emphasized that the government is giving special importance to the creative economy, aiming to make it a significant source of employment, entrepreneurship development, and economic growth. The initiative seeks to harness the creativity and intellectual potential of young people to build a globally competitive 'Creative Economy' under the 'Created in Bangladesh' brand.
