The government has proposed a Tk 125 crore fund for women entrepreneurs in the national budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, aiming to boost women’s participation in the economy.

While placing the new budget on Monday, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed said the fund would help improve the business environment for women and strengthen their economic empowerment.

“To further support women entrepreneurs, I propose an allocation of Tk 125 crore,” he said during his budget speech.

Highlighting initiatives for women’s safety and skill development, the adviser said the National Women Training and Development Academy is running skill-based programmes for women, especially through training centres at the upazila level.

Speakers stress empowering women entrepreneurs for equitable society

He said 20,000 women have already been trained under various government initiatives to enhance their skills, contributing to women's empowerment and poverty reduction.

In a notable policy direction, Dr Salehuddin acknowledged the contribution of homemakers and said steps will be taken to evaluate and include their work in GDP in the future.

“In addition to working women, I express my gratitude to homemakers. Necessary measures will be taken to quantify their contribution financially and include it in the GDP calculation,” he added.

The adviser also said efforts are ongoing to bring back into the mainstream the children injured in the July Uprising.  The government has already provided financial assistance to 84 families who lost their children in the incident, he added.