Economic Activities in Bangladesh: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Bangladesh, with a population of 173,562,364 (2024, World Bank), is ranked 8th in the world, just behind Brazil. Located in South Asia, it covers a total area of 147,570 square kilometers, ranking 89th globally, just below Tunisia.

Bangladesh’s GDP in 2024 was $450.12 billion, ranking 33rd globally, according to the World Bank. In terms of GDP per capita, Bangladesh reached $2,593.4 in 2024 (World Bank). Despite facing challenges, Bangladesh’s economy shows resilience and potential for growth in the coming years.

What are the economic activities of Bangladesh?

• Primary activities: 11.2% of GDP (2024, World Bank).
• Secondary activities: 37.9% of GDP (FY2023-24, Bangladesh Economic Review).
• Tertiary activities: 51.0% of GDP (FY2023-24, Bangladesh Economic Review).

Primary Sector of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s primary sector, mainly agriculture, thrives due to its favorable climate and rich natural resources. With 77.35% of land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a variety of crops including rice, milk, potatoes, maize, sugarcane, onions, vegetables, jute, mangoes/guavas, and tropical fruits.

Contributing approximately 11.2% to the GDP in 2024 (World Bank), agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy. The diverse range of agricultural products highlights the sector’s importance, providing sustenance and livelihoods to many Bangladeshis.

The country’s diverse geological landscape contributes to its abundant natural resources. With significant deposits of natural gas, coal, and timber, coupled with vast arable land, these resources drive the economy through energy production, agriculture, and forestry industries.Bangladesh’s oil production, at around 3,000 barrels per day, ranks 63rd globally. With 28 million barrels in reserves, it holds 0% of world reserves.Bangladesh’s natural gas production of 26,100 million m³ in 2020 secures its position as the 28th largest producer globally. This significant output fuels the country’s economic activity, supporting industries such as energy production and manufacturing.

Secondary Sector of Bangladesh

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?The secondary sector encompasses industries that transform raw materials into finished products for consumption. In Bangladesh, the main industrial products include cotton, textiles, jute, tea, paper, cement, fertilizer, sugar, and light engineering goods, which are manufactured for domestic consumption and export.In 2023, Bangladesh’s total exports are dominated by the textile and garment industry, making manufactures a crucial component.

Tertiary sector of Bangladesh

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?The tertiary sector in Bangladesh encompasses a wide range of services that focus on enhancing productivity and meeting various needs through intangible goods. Key activities include restaurants, healthcare, education, banking, communication, media production, and tourism. These services play a crucial role in driving the country’s economic growth and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens.Notably, Bangladesh’s tourism industry contributes significantly to its economy, with approximately 650,000 international visitors in 2023 (Bangladesh Tourism Board via TBS News), the highest number since 2010. Popular destinations like the Sundarbans mangrove forest and Cox’s Bazar beach attract both domestic and international travelers, driving economic growth through employment and revenue generation.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, which boasts around 180 million subscriptions, facilitating connectivity and supporting technological advancements across various industries.

Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Bangladesh

The military is a key example of many economic activities in a country. It involves the primary sector, like resource extraction for weapons. The secondary sector includes the manufacturing of military equipment. The tertiary sector covers services provided by the military, while the quaternary sector focuses on research and development. Lastly, the quinary sector involves high-level decision-making and strategy.

In 2024, Bangladesh’s military expenditure was approximately 0.94% of its GDP (World Bank). The active military force consists of approximately 160,000 personnel (CIA World Factbook).

Biggest company in Bangladesh

Which is the biggest company in Bangladesh? Grameenphone is the largest publicly listed company by market capitalization, valued at approximately BDT 339 billion (around $2.8 billion USD as of 2026). Founded in 1997, it operates in the telecommunications industry, providing mobile services and internet access. Note: Telenor of Norway holds a 55.8% stake in Grameenphone, making it a majority foreign-owned enterprise, though it is incorporated and listed in Bangladesh.

International Trade of Bangladesh

Import Activities of Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s import activities accounted for approximately 16.7% of GDP in 2024 (World Bank), reflecting a decrease from prior years as import compression measures took effect.Bangladesh’s main import partners are China (32%), India (17%), Singapore (6%), Malaysia (5%), and Indonesia (5%). The country imports refined petroleum, cotton fabric, cotton, fabric, and fertilizers to meet domestic demands and support various industries.

Exports Activities of Bangladesh

In 2024, Bangladesh’s exports of goods and services accounted for approximately 10.46% of GDP (World Bank). Export activities play a significant role in the country’s economy, driving growth and creating employment opportunities.Bangladesh’s export activities primarily focus on garments, footwear, fabric, textiles, and jute yarn. The country’s key export partners include the US (18%), Germany (16%), UK (8%), Spain (7%), and Poland (6%).

Bangladesh economy challenges in 2024

Bangladesh, one of the fastest-growing economies, faces challenges in 2024. Declining exports and remittances have led to a decrease in foreign exchange reserves, prompting an IMF loan request. Despite significant poverty reduction, the country must address economic vulnerabilities to sustain growth.

Sources

• World Bank: Bangladesh Country Data
• IMF: Bangladesh Country Profile
• CIA World Factbook: Bangladesh
• UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
• Trading Economics: Bangladesh GDP

Last updated: June 20, 2026