Commerce reporter:
Bangladesh Bank (BB) today began the final selection process of young entrepreneurs from Manikganj district under its special initiative ‘Udyog’ aimed at identifying promising entrepreneurs at the grassroots level. The three-day selection programme, scheduled to continue until November 10, is being held at Bangladesh Bank headquarters in the capital. According to a Bangladesh Bank press release, applicants from different upazilas of Manikganj are being interviewed and evaluated to select eligible entrepreneurs for financing support.
A panel of prominent business leaders and corporate personalities is assessing the applicants’ business plans, potential and viability.
The evaluators include Apex Footwear Limited Managing Director Syed Nasim Manzur, Mohammadi Group Chairperson Rubana Huq, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and BKMEA Executive President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan.
Former Standard Chartered Bank Bangladesh CEO Mohammad Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Onnorokom Group founder Mahmudul Hasan Sohag and Pathao Limited CEO Fahim Ahmed are also participating in the evaluation process.
The ‘Udyog’ programme, which stands for ‘Upazila Driven Youth Opportunity for Growth’, aims to identify and develop promising young entrepreneurs at the grassroots level, create employment opportunities and accelerate economic growth.
Under the initiative, Bangladesh Bank plans not only to assess business proposals but also to provide necessary guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Bangladesh Bank sources said the entrepreneur identification and selection process was initially launched in eight districts. Following a positive response in the first phase, the initiative has now been expanded to the remaining 56 districts.
Applications and entrepreneur identification activities in the other districts began on November 1 and will continue until November 30.
