Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called on young people to embrace entrepreneurship despite the challenges, assuring them that the government would provide all possible support to help them succeed.
“You will have to go through many challenges. However, the government is here to support you and guide you. We will do our utmost to stand by you,” he said while addressing a special programme titled “Youth, Startups and Promising Bangladesh” at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the University of Dhaka.
The event was jointly organized by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division and the University of Dhaka.
Addressing more than 230 student entrepreneurs from eight universities, along with successful startup founders, the Prime Minister praised young innovators for contributing to society and the country’s development.
“You have already made significant progress. Your efforts are important not only for yourselves but also for millions of people across the country,” he said.
Sharing his personal journey, Tarique Rahman said he had once entered business to earn a livelihood but later devoted himself entirely to politics.
“At one stage, I ventured into business to earn a decent living. But shortly after starting, I became actively involved in politics. Realizing that it was not possible to pursue both at the same time, I chose to devote myself entirely to politics,” he said.
Recalling the hardships he faced, the Prime Minister said he had endured severe persecution and numerous challenges before reaching his current position.
“Your journey will also be very challenging. You will have to overcome many obstacles. But we will stand by your side. I do not know how much we will be able to do, but we will make our utmost effort to support you, Insha’Allah,” he added.
Referring to a recent innovation exhibition and nationwide primary school sports programme, Tarique Rahman said those events had renewed his confidence in Bangladesh’s future.
“Politics often leaves me discouraged. But after attending those two events and seeing those children, my disappointment disappeared. Today, after listening to your presentations and seeing your work, my confidence has grown even stronger,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the younger generation would continue the country’s development in the years ahead.
“After seeing you today and the children at those events, I feel confident that we will be able to hand over responsibility to a capable new generation. You will continue advancing the country from where we leave off,” he said.
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad, Acting ICT Division Secretary Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, University of Dhaka Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. A.B.M. Obaidul Islam, and Prof Dr. Md. Morshed Hasan Khan also addressed the programme.
Following the event, the Prime Minister visited startup exhibition stalls, observed innovative projects and technology-based initiatives, and interacted with young entrepreneurs.
Held under the slogan “Let’s Build the Nation Through Startups, Bangladesh First,” the programme began with recitations from religious scriptures and included the screening of a documentary on Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem.
A session titled “Not a Story, But Reality” featured successful startup founders sharing their entrepreneurial experiences.
During the programme, Tarique Rahman officially launched the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform (startup.ictd.gov.bd), an ICT Division initiative designed to connect entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship and government support.
The Prime Minister also participated in an interactive discussion with students on entrepreneurship and startup development.
To encourage innovation, he distributed grant cheques to representatives of six selected startups.
In a notable moment, Lutfunnesa Meghna, founder of Rafiha Fashion House, informed the Prime Minister that she had applied for financial support to promote Bangladesh’s traditional Jamdani industry. Tarique Rahman immediately handed her a grant cheque during the programme.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to integrate young people’s creativity and entrepreneurial potential into national development.
In line with the government’s 2026 election manifesto, startup development has been identified as a national priority to accelerate economic growth, generate employment and promote technological transformation.
A Tk 500 crore Startup Fund has already been established to support promising entrepreneurs and help innovative businesses expand across the country.
