Bangladesh Bank’s UDYOG programme has received 18,444 applications from aspiring young entrepreneurs across 64 upazilas in eight districts, with Netrokona recording the highest number at 5,351.

The initial response comes as a separate 1,000-crore-taka financing scheme aimed at creating jobs for unemployed youths has yet to disburse any funds, according to the central bank’s latest data as of October 15.

The central bank’s report on 15 stimulus schemes, with a combined allocation of 60,000 crore taka, shows that the entire 1,000 crore taka allocated to the employment scheme remains undistributed, although the funds are listed as being in the disbursement process.

In a press release on Saturday, Bangladesh Bank said it received the UDYOG applications between September 16 and October 15 during the programme’s initial phase, which covered all upazilas in eight districts.

Besides Netrokona, Rangpur recorded 2,745 applications, Naogaon 2,456, Jhenaidah 2,191, Habiganj 1,552, Bhola 1,545, Manikganj 1,343 and Feni 1,261.

The programme will be expanded to all upazilas in the remaining 56 districts from November 1, with applications accepted until November 30.

As Daily Waadaa reported earlier, UDYOG aims to identify promising young entrepreneurs and help them access formal financing. However, access to finance alone may not guarantee success, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs who lack business-planning skills, financial literacy or knowledge of regulatory requirements.

The programme seeks to promote employment and innovation by supporting businesses based on local demand and resources. Applicants can submit the prescribed form to any scheduled bank branch in their respective upazilas.

The initial application figures indicate interest in the initiative, but the success of both financing schemes will depend on how quickly funds reach eligible beneficiaries and whether the supported businesses generate sustainable employment.