PM Launches National Startup Platform for Entrepreneurs

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today inaugurated the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday inaugurated the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform, a unified digital portal designed to support startups and entrepreneurs by providing government services, training, mentoring and investment opportunities through a single platform.

The Prime Minister launched the initiative at a programme titled "Youth, Startup and Promising Bangladesh" at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the University of Dhaka.

Organised by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division in collaboration with the University of Dhaka, the event was held under the slogan, "Let's build the nation through startups, Bangladesh first."

The platform aims to integrate the innovative ideas, creativity and entrepreneurial potential of the country's youth into the mainstream of national development.

The programme began with the screening of a documentary highlighting the growth of Bangladesh's startup ecosystem.

It also featured an experience-sharing session titled "Golpo Noy Shotyi" (True Stories, Not Fables), where successful startup founders shared their entrepreneurial journeys and experiences.

Later, the Prime Minister took part in an interactive discussion with university students on startups and entrepreneurship and distributed grant cheques to six selected entrepreneurs. He was also presented with a commemorative crest.

Speakers at the programme said the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform would serve as a one-stop digital gateway for entrepreneurs, enabling them to access government support programmes, application services, training, mentoring, investment opportunities, partner organisations and other essential services from a single platform.

They said fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs by harnessing the innovation and creativity of young people and women has become a national priority.

In line with this vision, the government's Election Manifesto 2026 places special emphasis on startup and entrepreneurship development to accelerate economic growth, create employment opportunities and promote technological transformation.

As part of the initiative, the government has already established a Tk 500 crore Startup Fund to finance and support promising innovative ventures.

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 ICT Division Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan delivered the introductory speech, while Professor Dr Md Morshed Hasan Khan of the University of Dhaka's Marketing Department gave the welcome address. University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam delivered the vote of thanks.