Grameenphone, the country’s leading mobile operator by subscriber base, has handed over cheques of BDT 100,000 each to the top 20 entrepreneurs selected from initiatives across all 64 districts of Bangladesh. The awards were presented as part of the ‘Smart Entrepreneurs in Every District’ initiative under GP Accelerator, which has so far empowered 5,200 young innovators nationwide.
A grand gala night was held on Thursday evening at Le Méridien Hotel in Dhaka to celebrate the success of 20 winning startups from different regions of the country. The event also recognized 30 community builders for their significant contributions to the program’s successful implementation.
The cheques were handed over by BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdad Ul Bari. Also present at the ceremony were BTRC Vice-Chairman Md. Abu Bakar Siddique, Grameenphone’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer (CCAO) Tanvir Mohammad, senior officials from the telecom industry, and prominent entrepreneurs.
The winning startups included Medical Home Service from Faridpur, Krishoker School from Rangpur, Clear Concept from Savar, Ecofem from Khulna, Technauren from Rajshahi, Ball Tracker from Kushtia, Haklokeri Natural Food from Narsingdi, Wheelchair Robo Aid from Satkhira, P&A Motor Company from Chattogram, Smart Agriculture Drone from Dinajpur, Sleep Charge from Jashore, Team Khelbo from Chattogram, Emergency Response Device from Barishal, Daria from Cox’s Bazar, Pritilata from Sylhet, AI Bangladesh from Natore, Swachchh from Mymensingh, Fuel Production from Pabna, and Aay Kori and Sound Vision from Dhaka.
Praising the entrepreneurs, BTRC Chairman Major General (Retd.) Md. Emdad Ul Bari urged them to focus on information and connectivity-driven services, which would lead to increased data usage. He emphasized, "Entrepreneurs must direct their efforts toward public demand rather than entertainment-driven initiatives."
Criticizing the profit-driven approach of corporate entities, he remarked, "Corporations are smiling while emptying customers’ pockets. They are pushing their products without considering consumers' actual needs. If services are provided on a persuasive basis, digital inequality will increase. We must develop services that cater to grassroots demand, ensuring accessibility and affordability. Entrepreneurs must think of investment partners who empower lives and livelihoods."
Grameenphone’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Tanvir Mohammad, reiterated the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and economic inclusion. He stated, "Our goal is to contribute to national economic growth by equipping the next generation with essential skills, resources, and opportunities. Through ‘Smart Entrepreneurs in Every District,’ we have witnessed incredible potential among young entrepreneurs across Bangladesh. Today, we celebrate 20 winners who have distinguished themselves with their innovative ideas and unwavering determination."
The ‘Smart Entrepreneurs in Every District’ bootcamp series was conducted across 20 regions, offering skills development, mentorship, and financial guidance to participants to help them thrive in a competitive business landscape.
Since its inception in 2015, GP Accelerator has played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem. It has created employment opportunities for 500,000 people through 50 startups, significantly contributing to the country’s economic progress.
