Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged young people to become entrepreneurs despite the challenges ahead, assuring them that the government will provide support and guidance.
“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 on Tuesday.
The event was organised by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division in collaboration with the University of Dhaka and brought together more than 230 student entrepreneurs from eight universities, alongside many established entrepreneurs.
Addressing the participants, the prime minister praised young innovators for their contribution to society and the country's development. He said their work would play an important role in improving the lives of millions of people across Bangladesh.
Reflecting on his own journey, Tarique Rahman said he had once entered business to earn a living before choosing politics instead.
“At one stage, I ventured into business to earn a decent living. But shortly after starting, I became actively involved in politics. Realising that it was not possible to pursue both at the same time, I chose to devote myself entirely to politics,” he said.
He also spoke about the difficulties he had faced throughout his political career.
“To move forward, I had to endure inhumane persecution. I had to go through many tests of patience. But today, Alhamdulillah, by the grace of Allah, I have reached this position,” he said.
Encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs, he acknowledged that their path would also be demanding.
“Your journey will also be very challenging. You will have to overcome many challenges. 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 said.
The prime minister said recent events showcasing innovation by schoolchildren and young entrepreneurs had strengthened his confidence in the country's future. Referring to an innovation exhibition at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, he said it reminded him of the science fairs of his childhood, where students displayed creative projects. He also mentioned a nationwide sports programme involving 22 lakh primary school students.
“Politics often leaves me discouraged. But after attending those two events and seeing those children, my disappointment disappeared and I felt much more confident. Today, after listening to your presentations and seeing your work, my confidence has grown even stronger,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said political leaders must plan for the country's long-term future and every sector of development. He expressed confidence that the younger generation would continue the country's progress.
“As a politician, I have goals and objectives. My party has plans. We are entrusted with running the country, so we think constantly about its future and about every sector. We have worked day and night to bring positive change,” he said.
“After seeing you today and the children at those two events, I feel confident that we will be able to hand over responsibility to a capable new generation. You will be able to continue advancing the country from where we leave off. With that hope and firm belief in you, I conclude my remarks,” he added.
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 ABM Obaidul Islam and Prof Dr Md Morshed Hasan Khan of the university's Marketing Department also addressed the programme.
During the event, the prime minister officially launched the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform, an ICT Division initiative designed to connect young entrepreneurs with resources, networks and support services. He also joined an open discussion with students on startup and entrepreneurship development.
To encourage innovation, he distributed grant cheques to representatives of six selected startups. Lutfunnesa Meghna, founder of Rafiha Fashion House, which promotes Bangladesh's traditional Jamdani textile, informed the prime minister that she had applied for financial assistance. In response, he immediately presented her with a grant cheque.
After the programme, Tarique Rahman visited startup exhibition stalls at the Senate Bhaban, inspected technology-based projects and exchanged views with entrepreneurs.
Held under the slogan, Let's Build the Nation Through Startups, Bangladesh First, the programme began with recitations from religious scriptures. It also featured a documentary on Bangladesh's startup ecosystem and a session titled Not a Story, But Reality, where successful startup founders shared their experiences.
The event aimed to integrate the innovative ideas, creativity and entrepreneurial potential of young people into the country's mainstream development. The government said fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs, particularly by expanding opportunities for young people and women, has become a national priority.
In line with that goal, the government's 2026 election manifesto places special emphasis on startup and entrepreneurship development to promote economic growth, employment and technological transformation. A Tk 500 crore Startup Fund has already been established to finance promising entrepreneurs and support the expansion of innovative businesses.
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