Daffodil International University (DIU) on Tuesday inaugurated the national segment of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025, bringing together young innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry leaders to strengthen Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem and accelerate the shift from a job-seeking to a job-creating economy.
The event, held at the 71 Auditorium of Daffodil Plaza, was organised in partnership with Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Bangladesh, said a media release.
Marking the start of Bangladesh’s participation in the global celebration observed in more than 200 countries, this year’s theme — “Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators, Today” — focuses on collaboration, innovation and youth leadership.
The inaugural ceremony featured masterclasses, panel sessions and an innovation showcase where young founders presented new business ideas.
Speaking as the chief guest, Professor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, Adviser to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, said strong entrepreneurial foundations must be built from an early age.
“Our goal is to create a mental foundation from the primary level, where children learn to transform their creative ideas into initiatives that are productive for society,” he said. “This summit is a vital platform for nurturing that mindset and preparing youth to solve real-world problems.”
The programme was presided over by Dr Md Sabur Khan, Founder and Chairman of DIU’s Board of Trustees and Chairman of GEN Bangladesh.
“For over a decade, DIU has been prioritising a strong entrepreneurship ecosystem,” he said. “Our goal is to prepare young people not as job seekers but as job creators. GEW 2025 is becoming a significant milestone in that journey.”
Other distinguished speakers stressed the importance of mindset, empowerment and financial literacy.
Dr K M Hasan, managing director of GEN Bangladesh, said, “Our purpose is to foster an entrepreneurship mindset that thinks globally while acting locally.”
Dr Rubina Hussain, president of the Bangladesh Federation of Women Entrepreneurs, said, “For women, entrepreneurship is a right. We must stand on our own feet, and that begins with skills and financial literacy.”
Shaiful Hossain, CEO of Finpower Leadership International, called for embedding financial education at school level.
“Integrating personal finance management into education will empower youth and boost national savings, investment and employment,” he said.
DIU officials said the week-long programme will create opportunities for young founders to connect with investors, policymakers and global networks, expanding Bangladesh’s visibility on the world’s entrepreneurial stage.
