Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has visited Dhaka University for the second time since forming the government. On Tuesday (July 14) morning, he inaugurated the event titled ‘Youth, Startup & Prosperous Bangladesh’ held at the university’s Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building.
Organized by the Information and Communication Technology Division of the government in collaboration with Dhaka University, the event highlights various aspects of the country’s startup ecosystem, the creation of technology-dependent entrepreneurs, and the development of innovative capabilities among young people.
Fakir Mahbub Anam MP, Minister of Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology, and Rehan Asif Asad, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Post, Telecommunication and Information Technology, were present as special guests at the event.
Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, Acting Secretary of the Information and Communication Technology Division, delivered the introductory remarks. Professor Dr. Md. Morshed Hasan Khan of the Dhaka University Marketing Department gave the welcome speech. Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam, Vice-Chancellor of the university, will offer a vote of thanks in the concluding session.
The inaugural ceremony featured the screening of a documentary on Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem. Additionally, the program includes experience sharing by successful startup entrepreneurs, an open discussion between students and the Prime Minister, and the distribution of grant checks among selected entrepreneurs.
One of the main attractions of the event is the inauguration of the ‘National Startup and Entrepreneur Platform’. This platform will serve as a digital launchpad for entrepreneurs, providing access to government support, training, mentoring, investment opportunities, connections with partner organizations, and various essential services from a single platform.
The Information and Communication Technology Division stated that the government is consistently implementing various programs with the aim of creating technology-dependent employment, encouraging research and innovation, and building a knowledge-based economy. An integrated national startup ecosystem is being developed to ensure necessary support from an entrepreneur’s initial idea to business expansion.
The government’s Election Manifesto-2026 has given special priority to startup and entrepreneur development. As part of this, a 500 crore Taka startup fund has been established to assist promising entrepreneurs. Stakeholders hope that this fund will play a significant role in financing and developing innovative ventures.
