DHAKA : Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today inaugurated the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform, a unified digital platform designed to support startups and entrepreneurs by providing government services, training, mentoring and investment opportunities under one umbrella.

The prime minister launched the platform at a special programme titled 'Youth, Startup and Promising Bangladesh' at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the University of Dhaka this morning.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division organised the event in collaboration with Dhaka University, with 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.

A documentary on Bangladesh's startup ecosystem was screened at the outset of the programme.

The event also featured an experience-sharing session titled 'Golpo Noy Shotyi' (True Stories, Not Fables), where successful startup founders shared their entrepreneurial journeys.

Later, the prime minister joined 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 programme said the National Startup and Entrepreneurship Platform would serve as a national digital launchpad for entrepreneurs.

Through the integrated platform, entrepreneurs will be able to access government support programmes, application services, training, mentoring, investment opportunities, partner organisations and other essential services from a single point.

They said nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs by harnessing the innovative potential of youth and women has become a national priority.

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

As part of the initiative, the government has already formed 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 function as special guests.

Acting Secretary of the ICT Division Md Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan delivered the introductory speech, while Professor Dr Md Morshed Hasan Khan of DU Marketing Department and a member of the programme management committee delivered the welcome address.

DU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam delivered the vote of thanks