Empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs

DHAKA, July 14: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged the country’s youth to embrace entrepreneurship despite the challenges ahead, assuring them that the government would continue to provide policy support, guidance and opportunities to help them succeed.

Speaking at the programme titled “Youth, Startup and Promising Bangladesh” at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the University of Dhaka, the Prime Minister said innovation, technology and entrepreneurship would be key drivers in building a prosperous Bangladesh.

The event was jointly organised by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division and the University of Dhaka.

Addressing young entrepreneurs, the Prime Minister said many of them had already demonstrated remarkable success through innovation and entrepreneurship. Their contributions, he noted, are helping strengthen the country’s economy while creating new opportunities for society.

More than 230 student entrepreneurs from eight universities, along with successful founders and innovators, attended the programme.

National Startup Platform Launched

During the event, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform, a unified digital platform that will provide entrepreneurs with government services, training, mentoring, investment opportunities, partner organisations and other essential support through a single gateway.

Held under the slogan “Let’s Build the Nation Through Startups, Bangladesh First,” the initiative aims to integrate the creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial potential of the country’s youth into the mainstream of national development.

The programme began with a documentary on Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem, followed by an experience-sharing session titled “Golpo Noy Shotyi” (True Stories, Not Fables), where successful founders shared their entrepreneurial journeys.

The Prime Minister later participated in an open discussion with university students on startups and entrepreneurship, distributed grant cheques among six selected entrepreneurs and received a commemorative crest.

ICT Directorate’s Contribution

Director General of the Information and Communication Technology Directorate, Mohammad Saiful Hasan, played an important role in the overall coordination and implementation of the programme. Under his supervision, officials of the Directorate coordinated the technical aspects of the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform, organised the exhibition and facilitated the participation of young entrepreneurs.

During his visit to the exhibition, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was briefed by Director General Mohammad Saiful Hasan on the platform’s key features, government services, mentoring facilities, training programmes, investment linkage mechanisms and the opportunities it offers to entrepreneurs across Bangladesh.

A National Priority for Innovation

Speakers at the programme described the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform as a national digital launchpad that will simplify access to government support programmes, training, mentoring, investment opportunities and partner organisations.

They said nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs by harnessing the innovative potential of youth and women has become a national priority.

In line with this vision, the government’s Election Manifesto 2026 places special emphasis on startup and entrepreneurship development to accelerate economic growth, create employment opportunities and drive technological transformation.

The government has already established a Tk 500 crore Startup Fund to finance promising innovative ventures.

Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam and Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad attended the programme as special guests.

Acting ICT Division Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan delivered the introductory remarks, Professor Dr Md Morshed Hasan Khan of the University of Dhaka delivered the welcome address, while DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam delivered the vote of thanks.