PM inaugurates 'National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform'

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday inaugurated the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform, a unified digital portal aimed at supporting startups and entrepreneurs by bringing government services, training, mentoring and investment opportunities under one umbrella.

The prime minister launched the platform 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 under the slogan, "Let's build the nation through startups, Bangladesh first," the platform seeks 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 on Bangladesh's startup ecosystem, followed by an experience-sharing session titled Golpo Noy Shotyi (True Stories, Not Fables), during which successful startup founders recounted their entrepreneurial journeys.

Later, the prime minister took part in an open discussion with university students on startups and entrepreneurship and distributed grant cheques among six selected entrepreneurs. He was also presented with a commemorative crest.

Speakers at the event said the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform would serve as a national digital launchpad, enabling entrepreneurs to access government support programmes, application services, training, mentoring, investment opportunities, partner organisations and other essential services through a single platform.

They said fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs by harnessing the innovative potential of young people and women had 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, generate employment and drive 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 Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan delivered the introductory address, while Professor Dr Md Morshed Hasan Khan of the University of Dhaka's Department of Marketing and a member of the programme management committee, gave the welcome speech.

The vote of thanks was delivered by University of Dhaka Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam.