Desk Report:
As part of the ‘Udyog’ (Upazila-Driven Youth Opportunity for Growth) program—a special initiative implemented by Bangladesh Bank—a final selection process for entrepreneurs in Manikganj district has been organized. The program aims to cultivate promising young entrepreneurs at the grassroots level, foster a self-reliant society, and inject dynamism into the national economy.
The three-day selection process is scheduled to take place from November 8–10, 2026, at the Bangladesh Bank headquarters in Motijheel. Through interviews and evaluations, young entrepreneurs who applied from various upazilas across Manikganj district will be assessed, and those selected will receive financing for their business ventures.
This selection phase—which includes Manikganj and seven other districts in the first round of the nationwide, upazila-based initiative to identify and fund entrepreneurs—plays a crucial role in the broader program. To provide guidance and encouragement to aspiring young entrepreneurs, and to evaluate their business proposals, the process will feature the participation of prominent entrepreneurs, corporate figures, and business leaders from across the country. Distinguished guests serving as evaluators for the entrepreneur selection process (Dhaka phase):
- Syed Nasim Manzur — Managing Director, Apex Footwear Limited
- Rubana Huq — Chairman, Mohammadi Group
- Simin Rahman — Chief Executive Officer, Transcom Group
- Mahmud Hasan Khan — President, BGMEA
- Fazle Shamim Ehsan — Executive President, BKMEA
- Mohammad Naser Ezaz Bijoy — Former Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank, Bangladesh
- Mahmudul Hasan Sohag — Founder, Onnorokom Group
- Fahim Ahmed — Chief Executive Officer, Pathao Limited
Notably, following an overwhelming response in eight districts during the first phase of this landmark ‘Uddyog’ (Entrepreneurship) initiative by Bangladesh Bank, the process of identifying and accepting applications from entrepreneurs is currently underway (from November 1 to November 30) across the remaining 56 districts of the country. Bangladesh Bank anticipates that by providing policy support and specialized financing to grassroots entrepreneurs, this initiative will usher in a new chapter in job creation and overall economic transformation within the country.
