Md Jahirul Islam

Speakers at Barishal Entrepreneurs’ Assembly:
Economic Inclusion of Young Entrepreneurs is Essential for Employment and Poverty Alleviation

COAST Foundation, Barishal, 2 November 2025:
The Young Entrepreneurs’ Assembly 2025 and Customer Service Fortnight were organized at the COAST Foundation Barishal Centre, with the aim of inspiring youth in entrepreneurship and improving service quality for microfinance clients.

Speakers at the event emphasized the need for strengthening the economic inclusion of young entrepreneurs to achieve national poverty reduction goals. They also noted that, for Bangladesh to become a truly developed nation, the country must adopt economic programs like those of Malaysia and South Korea—where young, educated entrepreneurs are directly involved in economic activities.

The event was moderated by Md. Jahirul Islam from COAST Foundation and chaired by Mr. Ripon Kanti Ghosh, District Fisheries Officer. Special guests included Mr. Uttam Bhoumik, Upazila Agriculture Officer, and Mr. Prince Bahauddin Talukder, Assistant Director, Department of Youth Development. Twenty young, successful, and promising entrepreneurs from different upazilas of Barishal district attended and shared their experiences.

Discussants highlighted the importance of youth entrepreneurship, business innovation, financial inclusion, and improved customer service. Speakers stated, “Microcredit is not only a tool for poverty alleviation but also an effective means of making young people self-reliant through employment generation.”

Local successful entrepreneurs shared their experiences, which inspired the participants. The event concluded with several important recommendations to enhance customer service and promote financial transparency.

In his keynote presentation, Mr. Abdur Rob said that COAST Foundation has been working with reputation for 26 years in Bhola district to improve the socio-economic conditions of the poor, providing both financial and technical support for various economic activities. He added that COAST began operations in Barishal in 2027 and currently has 23,267 members—about 40% of whom are entrepreneurs engaged in economic activities. He further mentioned that COAST plans to identify promising small-scale economic ventures across Barishal and will continue to provide financial and technical assistance to engage educated and unemployed youth in these programs.

Entrepreneurs from the Barishal region shared their success stories and challenges, stressing the need for courage, perseverance, and financial support for entrepreneurship. They noted that if more organizations like COAST come forward, more youth will be motivated to become entrepreneurs.

Mr. Uttam Bhoumik, Upazila Agriculture Officer, said that agriculture is now moving toward commercialization. “Production alone is not enough,” he stated. “We need entrepreneurs to process, market, and export agricultural products. This will encourage youth to engage in agribusiness.” He added that while COAST Foundation will build entrepreneurs and provide financial support, the Agriculture Department will provide technical assistance.

Mr. Prince Bahauddin Talukder, Assistant Director, Department of Youth Development, said that youth will play a leading role in building future Bangladesh. Therefore, organizing such assemblies for young entrepreneurs is timely and relevant. The Department of Youth Development is fully prepared to support all young entrepreneurs. He assured that if COAST Foundation refers any of its members to the department, they will receive priority services, training, and counseling for access to loans. “Entrepreneurship contributes directly to our national economy,” he added.

Mr. Ripon Kanti Ghosh, District Fisheries Officer, said that young entrepreneurs contribute to rural economic growth, innovation and technology, social change, leadership, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “A young person who dreams, works hard, and perseveres will one day become a successful entrepreneur,” he said. “A young entrepreneur can create employment for themselves and others. Many have already succeeded using microcredit. We hope that with support from COAST and other organizations, as well as government soft loans, our young generation will move forward.” The Fisheries Department, he added, is already working in coordination with entrepreneurs.

Channel i representative Saeed Pantha and other discussants also highlighted the importance of microfinance, business innovation, financial inclusion, and service quality improvement for young entrepreneurs. They reiterated that, “Microcredit is not only a tool for poverty reduction but also an effective means to make youth self-reliant through employment generation.”

Recommendations: Economic Inclusion of Young Entrepreneurs for Employment and Poverty Alleviation

1. Recommendations for the Government Sector:

• Ensuring Easy Access to Credit:
  Introduce low-interest and collateral-free loan facilities for young entrepreneurs through government banks and financial institutions.

• One-Stop Service System:
  Establish a one-stop service center at the district level to assist entrepreneurs with business registration, licensing, taxation, and training.

• Entrepreneurship Training and Incubation Centers:
  Launch entrepreneurship development training and startup incubation programs under the Technical Training Centers (TTC) and the Department of Youth Development.

• Priority in Government Procurement:
  Reserve a specific quota in public procurement for products and services from small and young entrepreneurs.

• Promotion of Agribusiness and Fisheries Commercialization:
  Provide subsidies and technical support to engage young entrepreneurs in the full agricultural value chain—from production to marketing and export.

• Support for Digital Entrepreneurship:
  Initiate special programs under the Ministry of ICT to promote online business, e-commerce, and freelance entrepreneurship among youth.

• Incorporation of Entrepreneurship Education:
  Integrate entrepreneurship as a subject in secondary and higher education curricula to encourage an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age.

2. Recommendations for the Private Sector and NGOs:

• Innovation in Microfinance Programs:
  Design business-friendly microcredit packages tailored to the needs of young entrepreneurs.

• Technical Training and Mentorship:
  Establish a “Business Mentorship Network” engaging successful entrepreneurs and experts to guide emerging young business owners.

• Market Linkage Development:
  Create opportunities through fairs, exhibitions, and online platforms to connect young entrepreneurs with local and national markets.

• Support for Women Entrepreneurs:
  Introduce special loan facilities and advisory teams dedicated to empowering young women entrepreneurs.

• Financial Transparency and Customer Service Improvement:
  Ensure that microcredit and training programs prioritize the inclusion and development of young entrepreneurs while maintaining transparency and quality service.

• Public-Private Partnership (PPP):
  Implement joint entrepreneurship development programs involving government agencies, NGOs, and private companies.

Give Livelihood Protection and Dignity for Small-scale Fishers during Fishing Bans

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