Desk News

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today inaugurated the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform, a unified digital initiative designed to provide aspiring entrepreneurs and startups with streamlined access to government services, training, mentoring, investment opportunities, and institutional support through a single online gateway.

The platform was formally launched during a special programme titled “Youth, Startup and Promising Bangladesh” held at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the University of Dhaka. Organized by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division in collaboration with the University of Dhaka, the event was conducted under the slogan, “Let’s build the nation through startups, Bangladesh first.”

The newly launched platform is intended to strengthen Bangladesh’s growing startup ecosystem by bringing together government support services, capacity-building initiatives, funding opportunities, and partner organizations under one integrated digital framework. Officials said the initiative seeks to transform innovative ideas and entrepreneurial talent among the country’s youth into sustainable businesses that can contribute to national economic development.

The programme began with the screening of a documentary highlighting the evolution and achievements of Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem, showcasing the progress made by local entrepreneurs and the opportunities emerging in the country’s innovation sector.

A special experience-sharing session titled “Golpo Noy Shotyi” (True Stories, Not Fables) followed, where successful startup founders shared their entrepreneurial journeys, discussing the challenges they overcame, the lessons they learned, and the importance of innovation in building successful enterprises.

Later, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman participated in an interactive discussion with students from the University of Dhaka on startups, entrepreneurship, and the future of Bangladesh’s digital economy. During the programme, he distributed grant cheques to six selected entrepreneurs in recognition of their innovative business ventures and their contributions to the country’s startup landscape. The prime minister was also presented with a commemorative crest by the organizers.

Speakers at the event described the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform as a national digital launchpad that will simplify access to a wide range of government support services for entrepreneurs. Through the integrated portal, users will be able to apply for government programmes, receive business development training, connect with mentors, explore investment opportunities, and engage with partner organizations without navigating multiple institutions separately.

Officials emphasized that encouraging entrepreneurship among young people and women has become a national development priority as Bangladesh seeks to build a more innovation-driven economy. They said empowering entrepreneurs would not only generate employment opportunities but also accelerate technological advancement and improve the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.

The initiative aligns with the government’s Election Manifesto 2026, which places significant emphasis on promoting startups and entrepreneurship as key drivers of economic growth, job creation, and technological transformation.

As part of its broader strategy to strengthen the startup ecosystem, the government has already established a Tk 500 crore Startup Fund aimed at financing promising innovative ventures and supporting entrepreneurs with high-growth potential.

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

Acting Secretary of the ICT Division Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan delivered the introductory speech, while Professor Dr Md Morshed Hasan Khan of the University of Dhaka’s Marketing Department and a member of the programme management committee presented the welcome address. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam.

Government officials expressed optimism that the newly launched platform would foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem by reducing barriers to accessing support services and encouraging greater collaboration among innovators, investors, educational institutions, and public agencies. They said the initiative marks another step toward positioning Bangladesh as a regional hub for innovation and startup-driven economic development.