Young Entrepreneurs Will Build Tomorrow's Bangladesh, Says PM Tarique Rahman at DU Summit

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman highlighted youth innovation as the cornerstone of national progress today, assuring young entrepreneurs of full government backing. "We are with you—to support you, to guide you, and to stand by your side. Young entrepreneurs will build the Bangladesh of tomorrow," the Prime Minister stated during an open dialogue with young changemakers.

The premier was speaking as the chief guest at a special summit titled "Youth, Startup, and the Bangladesh of Possibilities," held at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University (DU). Jointly organized by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division and Dhaka University, the summit aimed to integrate youth innovation and creative entrepreneurship into the mainstream national development agenda.

Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman noted that young entrepreneurs are the driving forces behind economic growth, employment generation, and social progress. Acknowledging the bumpy road to entrepreneurial success, he shared glimpses of his own life experiences to inspire the youth:

"The journey is never easy. To achieve success, one must overcome various challenges, adversities, and obstacles. Throughout different stages of my life, I have endured mental and physical torture, humiliation, and relentless adversity. It is only by passing through these protracted struggles and tests of patience that I have reached today's position."

He urged the generation of new entrepreneurs to march forward with an unyielding morale, reiterating that patience, dedication, and self-confidence have no alternatives when pursuing life goals.

The Prime Minister expressed immense optimism regarding the brilliance of the country's youth, citing recent competitive tech exhibitions and creative youth programs that showcase exceptional talent. He added that the country is successfully cultivating a skilled, eligible generation capable of inheriting the responsibility of a transformed, forward-looking Bangladesh.

Following the inaugural ceremony, the Prime Minister toured various startup exhibition stalls set up inside the Senate Bhaban and was honored with a special memento presented by the university administration.

Presiding over the event, Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. A. B. M. Obaidul Islam described the summit as a unique platform for unfiltered dialogue between students, researchers, investors, and policymakers to build a knowledge-based society.

"Dhaka University has historically been the epicenter of national thought, movements, and leadership. In this era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the university must transform into a nerve center for tech-driven ventures. Our students must evolve from job seekers to technology-backed job creators," the VC stated.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Postal, Telecommunications, and ICT Minister Fakhrul Mahbub Anam MP, and the Prime Minister’s ICT Advisor Rehan Asif Asad as special guests.

Among others, DU Pro-VC (Academic) Professor Dr. Abdus Salam, Pro-VC (Administration) Professor Dr. Mohammad Almozaddeh Alfehani, Acting ICT Secretary Md. Mamunur Rashid Bhuiyan, and DU Marketing Department Professor Dr. Md. Morshed Hasan Khan, alongside various deans, proctors, teachers, and investors, were present at the high-profile convention.