Community Bank Inaugurates SICIP EDP Programme

Community Bank Bangladesh PLC has formally launched an Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) under the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP) at its Training Academy, marking another step in strengthening structured entrepreneurship training in Bangladesh.

The programme is being carried out under the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, with Bangladesh Bank serving as the executing authority. The initiative forms part of the wider SICIP framework, which receives financial support from the Asian Development Bank. The programme is designed to improve workforce skills, support emerging entrepreneurs, and contribute to national economic competitiveness through targeted capacity-building.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials from Bangladesh Bank and Community Bank Bangladesh PLC. Ms. Husne Ara Shikha, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, attended as Chief Guest. In her address, she noted that SICIP is intended to strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities, encourage innovation-led business development, and generate sustainable employment opportunities. She also advised participants to apply the training effectively in building viable and competitive enterprises.

Special Guests included Mr. Nazrul Islam, Program Director & Additional Director of Bangladesh Bank, and Mr. Mohammad Wasim, Deputy Program Director & Joint Director of Bangladesh Bank. Both emphasised the importance of financial literacy, structured learning, and institutional assistance in developing successful entrepreneurs. They reiterated Bangladesh Bank’s continued engagement in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and expanding access to entrepreneurship development opportunities.

The programme was chaired by Mr. Kimiwa Saddat, Managing Director (Current Charge) of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC. He expressed appreciation to Bangladesh Bank for entrusting the institution with implementation responsibilities. He reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to SME growth and highlighted that entrepreneurship-focused initiatives contribute to job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic development. He also encouraged participants to engage fully in the training process and to uphold ethical and responsible business practices.

Earlier in the session, Mr. Hossain-Al-Safeer Chowdhury, Head of SME Division and Programme Coordinator, delivered the welcome remarks. He outlined the objectives of the training and explained that 25 selected young entrepreneurs have been enrolled in a one-month programme focused on strengthening business management, financial planning, and digital skills relevant to modern enterprise development.

Programme Overview

Training sessions will be delivered by a combination of internal and external resource persons with expertise in entrepreneurship, finance, and skills development. The programme is scheduled to continue until 20 May 2026, with the objective of equipping participants with practical knowledge and competencies required for sustainable business establishment and long-term entrepreneurial success.