Plan to raise Tk800-900cr fund for new entrepreneurs: governor

Bangladesh Bank (BB) Governor Ahsan H Mansur said the central bank has taken an initiative to launch a special fund of about Tk 800 crore to Tk 900 crore for new entrepreneurs.

He made the announcement while speaking at a panel discussion at the inaugural session of the ‘Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025’ at Hotel Intercontinental here in the capital on Monday (April 7).

The BB governor said that a notification in this regard will be issued within a week. The old concept regarding foreign investment in the country has come to an end, which is a positive sign for the business sector.

He said, “Bangladesh is a suitable destination not only for trade but also for investment. 95 percent of startups fail. Yet, the government is providing support to startups.”

Dr. Ahsan H Mansur said, “This fund will be kept ready to provide capital support for new entrepreneurs and the fund will be distributed through commercial banks.”

This flagship event under the Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025 is taking place under the powerful theme: “Empowering Innovation, Connecting Opportunities”.

Organized by Startup Bangladesh Limited, ICT Division, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the Startup Connect is spotlighting the nation’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem and its pivotal role in global investment networks.

The event started with a formal inaugural ceremony followed by a keynote address from Chairman of Constellation Asset Management Company Limited and Independent Director of Startup Bangladesh Limited Tanveer Ali, who spoke on “Empowering Innovation, Connecting Opportunities.”

Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for ICT Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, Executive Chairman of BIDA Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Secretary of the ICT Division and Chairman of Startup Bangladesh Limited Shish Haider Chowdhury also took part in the panel discussion.

CEO of Share Trip Sadia Haque moderated the discussion.