President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's recent call for skills-based training, financial assistance for small entrepreneurs, and expanded employment opportunities is a timely and necessary one. Bangladesh's youth population represents one of its greatest economic opportunities, but that potential remains underutilized without the appropriate means to turn their ideas into viable livelihoods.
However, these commitments from the authorities must translate into practical support that reaches aspiring entrepreneurs across the country.
Starting a business is rarely easy, particularly for young people with limited capital, little experience, and few professional connections. Many have promising ideas but struggle to access loans, navigate administrative procedures, or find markets for their products. Young women face additional barriers, including unequal access to finance and opportunities.
Encouraging entrepreneurship without addressing these obstacles therefore risks leaving many capable individuals behind.
The Department of Youth Development has an important role to play in changing this situation: Its training and loan programs must be expanded beyond major cities and made accessible to young people from different economic backgrounds. Training should also go beyond basic business management to include financial literacy, digital skills, marketing, product development, and export procedures.
Equally important is creating mentorship opportunities that connect first-time entrepreneurs with experienced business owners.
Financial assistance must be made affordable, transparent, and available without excessive bureaucratic hurdles. Small grants, low-interest loans, and startup support can help promising businesses survive their difficult early stages.
The government should also encourage private sector partnerships to improve access to technology, investment, and domestic and international markets.
Bangladesh cannot afford to treat its youth as a demographic advantage on paper alone. As the country prepares for its eventual LDC graduation, creating a skilled, productive, and enterprising generation will be essential to economic resilience.
Our young people need institutions willing to invest in their potential, and it's time we start acknowledging that supporting them today -- in the ways they need -- is an investment in the country's economic future.
