Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina commented that digital Bangladesh has created the opportunity to become entrepreneur at home and called upon the youth to offer job opportunities to others than rushing for jobs. Besides, she has encouraged to take technical, vocational and computing training.
The Prime Minister made the call while attending the inaugural function of the 9th National SME Products Fair at Bangabandhu International Conference Center through video conference from Ganobhaban on Sunday (December 5).
Commenting on ‘Digital’ Bangladesh, communication has now become ‘very easy’, said the Prime Minister. Having the opportunity to learn about the market. There is an opportunity to know about the market demand and the price of the product.
“So, I think there is no point of facing hardship anymore. You just have to be entrepreneur to be self-employed.”
Sheikh Hasina said, “Our young society…., we have given them the opportunity of education, technical education and vocational training. In addition, we have created digital, computer training, all kinds of opportunities for businesses to do business online, we have created all kinds of opportunities.”
Highlighting the need for separate allocation in the budget to encourage young entrepreneurs, the Prime Minister said, “Anyone can be an entrepreneur now.” Many institutions including Karmasangsthan Bank and Prabasi Bank are giving loans. You take the initiative. Be an entrepreneur yourself. Employ others.”
“I urge upon the youth of my country to develop themselves as entrepreneurs rather than running after jobs just after getting a certificate, you should offer jobs to others.”
Drawing the attention of the SME Foundation, the Prime Minister said, “If anyone shows interest to become an entrepreneur, take steps to decide where s/he will set up the factory.” If they set up a factory in your own place, you have to see how will they manage the waste there.”
Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumder, Industries Ministry Secretary Zakia Sultana, FBCCI President Jasim Uddin, Small and Medium Industries Foundation (SMEF) Chairperson Md. Masudur Rahman and other senior officials were present in the inaugural program at Bangabandhu International Conference Center.
According to the organizers, the products on display will include jute, jute products, leather and leather products, handicrafts, cane products, pottery, ceramics, artificial flowers, jewelry, boutiques, processed food, jamdani, agricultural processing and more. The fair will also feature products from light engineering, plastics, electronics and electrical, agro machinery and IT and courier sectors.
Apart from this, four seminars on financing process, women entrepreneur development, technology development and 4th industrial revolution and cluster development will be held in the 7-day long fair. At the inaugural function, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, who was the special guest on behalf of the Prime Minister, handed over crests, certificates and checks to the four entrepreneurs who won the National SME Award 2021.
