New generation will take the country forward: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has expressed his confidence that the country's younger generation will be able to lead Bangladesh toward a brighter future.

Speaking at an event for startup entrepreneurs and students on Tuesday morning, the prime minister said, "Now is the time to work. For those who are new entrepreneurs or aspire to become entrepreneurs, the journey is challenging. But with determination, it is possible."

He acknowledged the difficulties young entrepreneurs are likely to face, saying, "You will have to go through many hardships. But the government is here to support you and guide you. We will do everything within our capacity to stand by your side."

Reflecting on the government's broader vision, Tarique Rahman said, "As those entrusted with running the country, we constantly think about Bangladesh and its various sectors. Today, after meeting you and seeing the young participants at the last two events, I felt that all the hard work we are putting in to bring change is worthwhile. It gave me confidence that we will be able to hand over the country to a group of capable people who can continue taking it forward from where we leave off."

Sharing a personal experience, he said, "At one point in my life, I was involved in business to earn a decent living. But shortly after starting my business, I became involved in politics. I realized the two could not go hand in hand, so I decided to dedicate myself fully to politics."

Recalling the hardships he endured, the prime minister said, "To pursue that path, I had to endure inhumane persecution and tremendous tests of patience. By the grace of Allah, I have now reached where I am today."

Addressing the young entrepreneurs once again, he said, "Your journey will also be very difficult. You, too, will have to overcome many challenges. We are here to support you. I cannot say how much we will be able to do, but we will make every possible effort to stand by you."
A few days ago, an innovation event was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center, which the prime minister compared to the science fairs many people remember from their childhood. Students from schools across the country participated, showcasing projects they had developed.

Referring to another recent event, he said, "Around 2.2 million primary school children from across the country took part in various sports competitions."

He added, "Politics often leaves me feeling discouraged. But after attending these two events and seeing those children, that disappointment vanished. I felt much more confident. And today, after listening to your presentations and seeing your work, my confidence has grown even stronger."

The discussion, titled "Youth, Startups and the Bangladesh of Opportunities," was held at Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of the University of Dhaka. During the event, the prime minister interacted with young entrepreneurs, highlighted their success stories, and took part in an open discussion with students.

The programme began with a special audio-visual presentation on Bangladesh's startup ecosystem and its future prospects.

In the first session, moderated by University Grants Commission member Professor Abdullah Al Mamun, four startup founders shared their entrepreneurial journeys. They included Sadia Haque, CEO of ShareTrip; Raihanul Islam, founder of Charcha; Lutfunnesa Meghna, founder of Rafia Fashion House; and Fahad Ifaz, CEO of agri-tech company iFarsha.

During the event, Rafia Fashion House founder Lutfunnesa Meghna sought government's financial support for her business. In response, the prime minister announced that the requested grant would be provided.

The second session featured a question-and-answer segment with the prime minister, attended by 230 students from eight universities.

Among those who asked questions were Nusrat Jahan and Mehrab Anwar from the University of Dhaka, Nazmul Islam Nafiu and Asif Azad from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Syeda Anannya Faria from Jahangirnagar University, Mahid Hossain from Jagannath University, Adnan Sabab Azad from Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), Nafisa Taskin Zahara from the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), and Samia Tahsin from BRAC University, along with other students.

The prime minister also distributed grant cheques to several startups. Charcha's Nafis Raihan, Renova Biotech's Sajidul Islam, and Rafia Fashion House founder Lutfunnesa Meghna each received Tk 1 million. Sharmin Akhter of Interview Boss AI, Nishad Jahan of Barge Shield, and Dhiren Roy of News Favor L each received Tk 500,000, while Correct received a grant of Tk 100,000.

University of Dhaka Vice-Chancellor Professor A.B.M. Obaidul Islam, along with the university's pro-vice chancellors, presented a commemorative crest to the prime minister.

During the programme, the prime minister also formally inaugurated the National Startup and Young Entrepreneurs Platform.