Prime Minister’s Advisor for Posts, Telecommunication, IT, and Science and Technology Rehan Asif Asad reaffirmed the government’s commitment to overcoming the challenges faced by startups in Bangladesh.
During his address at the inauguration of the ‘National Demo Day 2026’ in Dhaka on Tuesday, he said, “This is the right time for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to enter the global market. We are working to create the right ecosystem and policies for that.”
The event, organised as part of the Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystem Development (DEIED) project, was managed by the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority.
1,091 entrepreneurs from six divisions of Bangladesh participated in the programme. 200 selected entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their ideas during the occasion.
Entrepreneurs from various sectors, including IT, e-commerce, healthcare, fashion, agriculture, and more, presented their business ideas to domestic and international investors, venture capitalists, and financial institutions.
DEIED Director Monjur Mohammad Shahriar said that although Bangladesh has an abundance of ideas, a shift in mindset is necessary for the startup culture to thrive. “The day we start small and think big, our initiatives will scale and transform the country,” he said.
ICT Department Secretary Kazi Anwar Hossain pointed out that Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem is at a pivotal stage.
“With the right policy support, investment flow, and innovative initiatives, we can make this sector sustainable and globally competitive,” he added.
The event was chaired by Kazi Anwar Hossain and attended by Hi-Tech Park Authority Managing Director Mohammad Anwar Uddin and the World Bank Senior Specialist Hosna Ferdous Sumi.
Following the inauguration, a panel discussion on ‘Startup Policy, Investment, and Prospects’ took place, where experts exchanged views on the future direction of the startup sector in Bangladesh.
