Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday assured young entrepreneurs of the government's full backing, saying it will do its best to help them build successful businesses as they are vital to Bangladesh's future and economic transformation.
"We are with you—to help you, guide you and stand beside you. I do not know how much we will be able to do, but we will do our utmost to support you," he said at a programme titled "Youth, Startups and Bangladesh of Possibilities" at Dhaka University’s Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban.
The event, jointly organised by the ICT Division and Dhaka University under the slogan "Build the Nation through Startups, Bangladesh First," aims to bring young people's innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial potential into the mainstream of national development.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that building a business is far from easy and requires determination, patience and perseverance.
"What you want to do is not easy. It is very difficult. But you can succeed if you have the determination," he said.
Sharing his own experience, Tarique Rahman said he had once been involved in business to earn a decent living before entering politics, but later devoted most of his time to political activities.
He said his political journey had exposed him to mental and physical torture, humiliation and many hardships, requiring immense patience before reaching his current position.
"I am not trying to discourage you. I want to encourage you. Every successful journey involves hardship, but if you remain determined, you can achieve your goal," the Prime Minister said.
He said the country needs more entrepreneurs because they not only create businesses but also contribute to society, generate employment and drive national development. "You are needed not only for yourselves but for millions of people and for the country.”
Tarique Rahman said his confidence about Bangladesh's future has grown after attending recent innovation and sports events involving schoolchildren across the country.
He recalled visiting a national innovation exhibition where students showcased their projects and another programme in which around 22 lakh primary school students participated in sports competitions.
"Sometimes, as a politician, I become discouraged. But after seeing those children, I felt much more confident. And today, after seeing your work and hearing your experiences, my confidence has grown even stronger," the Prime Minister said.
He said those experiences convinced him that the government's efforts to transform the country will continue through the next generation.
"It gives me confidence that when we leave, there will be capable young people to take the country forward from where we stop," Tarique Rahman said.
Concluding his speech, he wished success to all aspiring and existing entrepreneurs and reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting them in every possible way.
At the programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform.
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam, Prime Minister's Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad and ICT Division acting Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, among others, spoke at the programme with Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr ABM Obaidul Islam in the chair.
The programme featured a documentary on Bangladesh's startup ecosystem, followed by a session titled "Not Just Stories, but Reality," where successful startup founders shared their experiences, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of building innovative businesses and inspiring other young people to turn their ideas into successful ventures.
The Prime Minister later held an open discussion with students on startups and entrepreneurship and handed over grant cheques to six selected entrepreneurs.
Officials said the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform will serve as a digital launchpad, enabling entrepreneurs to access government support programmes, training, mentoring, investment opportunities, partner networks and various other services through a single platform.
