PM urges youths to become entrepreneurs 

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday expressed strong confidence that the country's new generation will carry Bangladesh to greater heights, urging young people to pursue entrepreneurship with determination. He assured them of government's full support.

Addressing a programme titled 'Youth, Startups and Promising Bangladesh' at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the University of Dhaka, he said the country's future rests in the hands of its young innovators, entrepreneurs and students.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division of the government and the University of Dhaka jointly organised the event under the slogan, "Let's Build the Nation Through Startups, Bangladesh First." More than 230 student entrepreneurs from eight universities, along with leading startup founders and innovators, attended the programme.

"We have firm expectations and confidence in you. We will stand by your side and do everything possible to support you," the Prime Minister told the young entrepreneurs.

Acknowledging the difficulties of building a business, he said entrepreneurship demands determination, resilience, patience and perseverance.

"It's not easy; it's very difficult. But if you have the determination, you will certainly succeed," he advised the young entrepreneurs and students.

He assured aspiring entrepreneurs that the government would provide guidance and support in overcoming the challenges they face.

"You will have to face many challenges. The government is here to support you and show you the way. I do not know how much we will be able to do, but we will make our utmost effort to stand beside you, Insha'Allah," he said.

The Prime Minister said the country's emerging entrepreneurs are contributing not only to their own success but also to national development, adding that their innovations are vital to improving the lives of millions of Bangladeshis.

"Your work is not only for yourselves. It is needed for the country's millions of people. The future of Bangladesh is closely linked with your success," he said.

Reflecting on his own life, Tarique Rahman said he entered business to earn a decent livelihood before becoming actively involved in politics.

"After starting my business, I became involved in politics. Soon I realised that it was impossible to continue both together, so I devoted myself entirely to politics," he said.

He also recalled the hardships he had faced during his political career, saying he endured prolonged mental and physical persecution, humiliation and severe adversity.

"To move forward, I had to endure inhumane persecution and many tests of patience. By the grace of Almighty Allah, today I have reached this position through perseverance," he said, encouraging young entrepreneurs not to lose hope in the face of difficulties.

The Prime Minister said his recent interactions with students and innovators had further strengthened his optimism about Bangladesh's future.

To encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, he distributed government grant cheques to several promising startups.

Three startups received grants of Tk 10 lakh each: Charcha, represented by Nafis Raihan; Renova Biotech, represented by Sajidul Islam; and Rafiha Fashion House, represented by Lutfunnesa Meghna, which promotes Bangladesh's traditional Jamdani textile industry.

Another three startups received Tk 5 lakh each: Interview Boss AI, represented by Sharmin Akhtar; Barge Shield, represented by Nishad Jahan; and News Favor AI, represented by Dhiren Roy. The Startup Correct received a grant of Tk 1 lakh.

Following the formal session, the Prime Minister visited startup exhibition stalls on the Senate Bhaban premises, observed technology-based innovations and exchanged views with participating entrepreneurs.