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Better training and loans key to women's entrepreneurship: Info Secretary
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Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana has stressed the need for quality training, skills development, financial assistance and better market access to support women entrepreneurs.
She called for coordinated initiatives involving the government, private institutions and the corporate sector to increase women's participation in economic activities.
She made the remarks as the chief guest at the opening session of the three-day National SME Women Entrepreneurs Summit-2026 and product fair, organised by the SME Foundation at the Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM) in Dhaka.
Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan chaired the event, which was attended by representatives of the SME Foundation, the Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh and BIM.
Mahbuba said many women in remote areas have the skills and potential to become successful entrepreneurs but face challenges such as insufficient training, limited market access, inadequate packaging and difficulties improving product quality.
She emphasised that support should be based on individual needs and include training, loans, technology and market connectivity.
She also urged media organisations, including Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, to highlight the achievements and success stories of women entrepreneurs.
Calling for wider outreach, she said SME Foundation fairs and support programmes should be expanded to all 64 districts, with particular attention to rural and remote communities.
Industries Secretary Abdun Naser Khan described women entrepreneurs as an essential part of the national economy. He stressed the importance of connecting their products with retail chains, supermarkets, corporate organisations, online platforms and international markets.
Mahbuba Farjana later inaugurated the fair by releasing balloons and visited several stalls.
The fair features 60 stalls and will remain open to visitors daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.