Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday inaugurated the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform, a unified digital portal created to support the country's business creators by consolidating government services, training, mentoring and investment pathways under a single umbrella.

The premier launched the initiative during a special event themed 'Youth, Startup and Promising Bangladesh' held this morning at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban at the University of Dhaka.

The ceremony was orchestrated by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division in partnership with Dhaka University, carrying the guiding slogan, 'Let's build the nation through startups, Bangladesh first.'

The overarching objective of the launch is to channel the innovative drive, creativity, and entrepreneurial energy of the nation's youth directly into mainstream national development.

The program commenced with the screening of an informative documentary showcasing the current landscape of Bangladesh's startup ecosystem.

This was followed by an experience-sharing segment titled 'Golpo Noy Shotyi' (True Stories, Not Fables), featuring accounts from successful startup founders detailing their personal business journeys.

Continuing the agenda, the Prime Minister engaged in an open forum discussion with university students centered on enterprise and innovation, subsequently handing out grant checks to six chosen entrepreneurs before receiving a commemorative crest.

Addressing the audience, speakers highlighted that the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform functions as a comprehensive digital springboard for creators.

The integrated system allows founders to secure government assistance schemes, application facilities, specialized training, expert mentorship, funding connections, and partner resources from one centralized access point.

Speakers noted that empowering a rising cohort of entrepreneurs by leveraging the ingenuity of youth and women has emerged as a top national priority.

In alignment with this strategic direction, the government's Election Manifesto 2026 places special emphasis on startup and enterprise cultivation to fast-track economic expansion, generate jobs, and foster technological advancement.

As a tangible component of this push, the administration has already established a BDT 500 crore Startup Fund to finance viable, inventive enterprises.

Special guests in attendance included Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam and the Prime Minister's Adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Rehan Asif Asad.

The opening remarks were given by ICT Division Acting Secretary Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, while Dhaka University Marketing Department Professor Dr Md Morshed Hasan Khan, acting as a member of the program management committee, delivered the welcome address.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam.