BIDA launches massive hunt for entrepreneurs in Bangladesh

The investment promotion authority has launched an innovative campaign across Bangladesh to bring out potential entrepreneurs for fostering investments and generating jobs.

Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority or BIDA Kazi M Aminul Islam said people irrespective of their educational background can drop their innovation ideas to them if they want to be an entrepreneur.

A jury board comprising members from the government and private sector as well as successful entrepreneurs will select potential entrepreneurs from those ideas for further training, the BIDA boss said at a press meet while launching the campaign on Wednesday.

At least 24,000 such entrepreneurs will receive month-long extensive training to become an entrepreneur under the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Project or ESDP. It is an initiative to implement Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s special drive to make Bangladesh a nation of entrepreneurs and innovation, the BIDA boss said.

Interested entrepreneurs can register by calling the toll free number 09613112211 or via Facebook by visiting www.facebook.com/ESDPBIDA or by visiting www.esdp.gov.bd.

Riding on a labour-intensive economy, Bangladesh has emerged as the second largest apparel exporter.

The BIDA chairman said the future will be totally different. It will be based on knowledge and technology.

“We’ll need entrepreneurs who will create jobs. We are working to create those entrepreneurs,” he said. Registration and training will go simultaneously as the project will continue for two years.

“Our target is to complete this in two years. But it can be expanded. Top of all, our work will not be limited within two years. It’ll be a continuous process and we want to create a rippling effect in the society,” Kazi Aminul said, adding that they would inspire youths who lack courage despite having potentials to be entrepreneurs.

Money will not be a problem, he said, as the government has allocated Tk 1 billion in the budget for funding innovative entrepreneurs.

He said they are also working on a policy so that more funds can be generated to help start-ups.

“Virtually we will encourage all kinds of entrepreneurships. Those who have new plans, different plans are welcome to submit their plans using any means. We are ready to welcome them,” he said.

“We will create a database. We’ll contact with everyone who will send their plan and train those who have fire inside,” he said.

BIDA has already set up physical facilities in all 64 districts in Bangladesh with provisions of training, mentoring and networking.