Staff Reporter :
The modern economy is increasingly digital, with startups playing a vital role in innovation, employment, and growth. In Bangladesh, nearly 30 million young people are seeking opportunities through startups, freelancing, and AI-driven ventures.
Yet, challenges like insufficient capital, export complications for AI products, and limited policy support for freelancers continue to hinder progress. Experts believe addressing these three areas in an integrated way is essential for building a knowledge-based society and accelerating growth.
Recently, former World Bank Dhaka Office Lead Economist Dr. Zahid Hossain, Association of Bankers Bangladesh (ABB) Chairman and City Bank MD Masrur Arefin, and FBCCI vice-president candidate Sakif Shamim discussed these issues.
Importance of Startup Funds: Dr. Zahid Hossain stressed that adequate funding is critical for startups to succeed. Without timely capital, many promising ideas stall. Funds are typically used for product development, research, hiring, and operations. Startups can seek financing from personal savings, family, angel investors, venture capital firms, and bank loans. He emphasized that aligning funding strategies with business goals and proper planning is key to success.
Bangladesh Bank’s Venture Capital Initiative: To address financing gaps, Bangladesh Bank is forming a venture capital company with Tk 650 crore in capital, jointly contributed by the central bank and commercial banks. Entrepreneurs will also have access to loans of up to Tk 8 crore at 4% interest.
ABB Chairman Masrur Arefin explained that traditional bank loans have struggled to support startups due to entrepreneurs’ lack of experience. The new venture capital model will instead make equity investments in innovative projects, exiting once ventures become profitable-a globally accepted model. Representatives from banks and Bangladesh Bank will manage the fund, which is expected to start operations within three to four months.
Policy Support and Regulatory Needs: Experts agree that beyond funding, strong policy support and a regulatory framework are necessary. FBCCI leader Sakif Shamimemphasized that seed capital is the lifeline of startups, but Bangladesh faces a shortage of venture capital firms and angel investors. Most startups fail prematurely due to lack of investment, keeping success rates below global standards.
He argued that government incentives, tax benefits, and easier loans could create a favorable environment, while stronger policy support would allow venture capital firms to expand. Citing India and Singapore, he noted that government-backed funds can significantly boost startup ecosystems. Shamim pledged that if elected FBCCI vice-president, he would prioritize startup funding through joint government-private sector initiatives and push for a regulatory body to manage startups effectively.
AI and the Global Market: Shamim highlighted AI as a game-changer across healthcare, agriculture, education, and finance. However, Bangladeshi companies face challenges in exporting AI products due to the absence of international-standard certification and regulatory frameworks. For instance, AI-based healthcare tools require rigorous international testing. To overcome this, he suggested creating a regulatory body aligned with global standards and establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for software and AI products.
With the global AI market projected to exceed USD 1.5 trillion by 2030, Bangladesh must act now to secure a share of this market.
Freelancers: A Silent Economic Force: Bangladesh has around 650,000 active freelancers, earning nearly USD 1 billion annually, according to the Bangladesh Freelancer Development Society (BFDS). Despite this contribution, freelancers face difficulties with banking, transactions, and lack of access to global payment gateways. Shamim proposed a dedicated freelancer policy framework, including special bank accounts, partnerships with platforms like PayPal, simplified tax rules, and professional training to enhance skills and competitiveness.
Building an Integrated Ecosystem: Startup capital, AI advancement, and freelancer support are deeply interconnected. Strong funding will encourage AI-based startups, which in turn create opportunities for freelancers. Skilled freelancers then provide the human resources that startups need. Experts believe Bangladesh’s future growth will depend heavily on strengthening these three pillars.
Through farsighted policies, coordinated government-private efforts, and a supportive regulatory framework, Bangladesh can move toward a Smart Bangladesh-a sustainable, innovative, and globally competitive nation.
