Startup Bangladesh Fund to Reach Tk 1,000 Crore
The government plans to gradually expand the size of the Startup Bangladesh fund to Tk 1,000 crore to accelerate investment in technology-driven startups and innovative businesses, according to Posts, Telecommunications, ICT, Science and Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam. He also disclosed that Bangladesh currently has 328.2 million legally registered mobile SIMs, more than 400 locations with limited 5G coverage, and plans to establish computer labs in an additional 1,000 educational institutions nationwide.
The minister made the remarks on Tuesday while responding to questions from lawmakers during the question-and-answer session of the National Parliament, chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.
Replying to a question from Narsingdi-5 lawmaker Md. Ashraf Uddin, the minister said the government-backed venture capital firm Startup Bangladesh has approved investments in 55 startups so far. However, investment processes involving 19 companies were canceled due to legal and investment-related irregularities. At present, approximately Tk 109 crore has been invested in 36 technology-based startups.
Among the investee companies, he mentioned Chaldal Limited, 10 Minute School Limited, Sheba Platform Limited, and Tour Booking Bangladesh Limited.
The minister said these startups have generated more than 7,000 direct jobs. Their average revenue growth has exceeded fivefold, while they have collectively paid more than Tk 180 crore in taxes—equivalent to nearly 1.7 times Startup Bangladesh’s total investment.
He added that nearly 80 percent of the portfolio startups are showing positive growth. Several companies have successfully entered international markets, introduced technological innovations, and attracted both local and foreign investments.
Responding to a question regarding interest-free or easy-term loans for startup entrepreneurs, Fakir Mahbub Anam said Startup Bangladesh is not authorized to provide direct loans under existing policies. Instead, it primarily invests in promising technology ventures through equity and equity-linked instruments. However, the government is working on launching specialized and mandated funds to address financing gaps.
Answering a question from Naogaon-5 lawmaker Zahidul Islam Dhalu, the minister said Bangladesh currently operates on 4G technology while the government continues efforts to expand commercial 5G services.
He noted that limited 5G services are now available at around 40 locations in Dhaka, including the airport, railway stations, major residential areas, and commercial zones. Outside the capital, more than 400 sites across divisional cities such as Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Barishal, Khulna, and Sylhet have limited-scale 5G connectivity. However, no timeline has yet been announced for nationwide commercial deployment.
In response to a question from reserved-seat MP Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, the minister said four mobile operators are currently providing services in Bangladesh: Teletalk Bangladesh Limited, Grameenphone, Robi Axiata, and Banglalink Digital Communications. Together, these operators have 328.2 million valid registered SIM cards.
Replying to a question from ruling party MP Khairul Kabir Khokon, the minister said Bangladesh currently has 9,848 post offices, including 4 General Post Offices (GPOs), 23 A-grade post offices, 45 B-grade head post offices, 408 upazila post offices, 930 sub-post offices, 10 branch post offices, 319 EDSOs, and 8,109 EDBOs.
In response to a question from Noakhali-6 lawmaker Abdul Hannan Masud, the minister said the second phase of the ICT Division’s Digital Lab Establishment Project is currently underway. Under the initiative, computer labs have already been installed in 13 educational institutions in Hatiya Upazila of Noakhali.
Outlining future plans, he said the process of revising the Development Project Proposal (DPP) is currently underway to facilitate the establishment of computer labs in another 1,000 educational institutions across the country.
//DBTech/IH/MUM/OR//
