The central bank has taken an initiative to create a Tk800-900 crore special fund to support startup companies by providing them with necessary capital, Governor Ahsan H Mansur said on Monday.
This fund will be distributed through commercial banks and a notification will be issued soon in this regard, he said while speaking at a panel discussion at the inaugural session of the ‘Bangladesh Startup Connect 2025’ at a city hotel.
This flagship event under the Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025 is taking place under the powerful theme: “Empowering Innovation, Connecting Opportunities”
Organized by Startup Bangladesh Limited, ICT Division, and Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), the Startup Connect is spotlighting the nation’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem and its pivotal role in global investment networks.
In his keynote address, Tanveer Ali, a Canadian citizen of Bangladeshi descent, highlighted the potential of Bangladesh’s young population. The speech pointed out that demand for innovative startup ventures is rising in the country, which has a rapidly growing economy.
However, compared to competing nations, investment in this sector remains relatively low in Bangladesh.
Giving an example of bKash, the Bangladesh Bank Governor highlighted the potential growth of startups in Bangladesh. “I want to see at least 10 unicorns like bKash in Bangladesh in the future.”
Taking part at the panel discussion, Secretary of the ICT Division and Chairman of Startup Bangladesh Limited Shish Haider Chowdhury mentioned the preparedness for a ‘Fund of funds’, which the interim government is working on by accumulating various investments.
The proposed fund will provide critical support to early and growth-stage startups, empowering them with the resources needed for expansion, internationalization, and sustainability, he said.
He further stated that ‘Startup Connect 2025’ reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to transforming itself into a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
“This platform brings together the brightest minds and boldest ideas – from youth-led startups in rural districts to global venture capitalists seeking the next big opportunity. We are proud to showcase the depth, diversity, and ambition of our ecosystem to the world,” he noted.
During the session, Executive Chairman of BIDA Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun noted that new entrepreneurs, especially those starting businesses, face significant challenges due to government red tape, including the process of obtaining and renewing trade licenses. Entrepreneurs often experience considerable difficulties in renewing their licenses every year.
He also said more than 500 foreign investors from 40 countries are attending the summit, and these investors will be shown around economic zones in Chattogram and Narayanganj.
BIDA Chairman remarked that there is no shortage of innovative entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. He mentioned that the lack of startup funding is one of the main barriers preventing new entrepreneurs from starting their businesses. This is why Bangladesh Bank is taking steps to establish a startup fund.
The day also includes startup pitches, policy roundtables, and sectoral sessions covering FinTech, SaaS, Logistics, Health Tech, AgriTech, EdTech, and Al.
The event also featured a virtual message from LinkedIn’s co-founder. Among the other participants in the panel discussion were Faiz Ahmed Tayeb, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor on ICT, among others.