In his historic speech on the occasion of his homecoming on 10th January 1972, the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, laid out a visionary roadmap for the future of Bangladesh. He stated that independence would remain incomplete unless farmers and labourers had adequate food, mothers and sisters had proper clothing, and the youth had employment opportunities. Ensuring jobs for the younger generation was one of his primary objectives.
“Bangabandhu also envisioned a ‘Golden Bangladesh’ that could only be built by ‘Golden People’,” said State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak.
He made these remarks while inaugurating a Mango Fair and the Rajshahi Divisional Entrepreneurs’ Conference as the chief guest. The event was organised by ‘Nijer Bolar Moto Ekta Golpo Foundation’ in collaboration with the Chapainawabganj District Administration at the Chapainawabganj Town Club.
Empowering Youth Through Entrepreneurship
Palak highlighted the economic potential of digital entrepreneurship, particularly in agriculture. He compared the income of a Bangladesh Civil Service (BCS) cadre, who earns approximately BDT 30,000 per month after 16 years of education, with that of young entrepreneurs in Chapainawabganj. These entrepreneurs are leveraging online platforms, digital marketing, and export opportunities to sell mangoes, produce mango pickles, and earn between BDT 50,000 to BDT 200,000 per month.
Transforming Bangladesh into a Middle-Income Country
Palak attributed Bangladesh’s transformation from a least developed to a middle-income country to the honesty, hard work, and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. He pointed out the stark contrast between past governments and the present administration:
| Comparison of Governance | Past Governments | Present Government (Sheikh Hasina) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity Coverage | 40% of households had access | 100% electricity coverage achieved |
| Response to Public Demand | Suppressed demands for electricity | Worked tirelessly to ensure electricity for all |
He further questioned the audience on whether there was any alternative leadership that could navigate Bangladesh through global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Government Support for Women Entrepreneurs
To support the economic empowerment of women, Palak announced several government initiatives:
- Financial grants of BDT 50,000 each for 20 women entrepreneurs within one month and for 100 women entrepreneurs within six months.
- Construction of four Joy Smart Service Employment and Training Centres at a cost of BDT 8 crore.
- Establishment of a 12-storey Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation Centre on two acres of land, costing BDT 142 crore.
These initiatives aim to build a skilled and self-sufficient workforce, aligning with the government’s goal of transforming Bangladesh into a technology-driven economy.
Palak’s speech resonated with the audience, reinforcing the government’s commitment to youth empowerment, digital entrepreneurship, and economic sustainability.