Minister for Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain on Monday said that small-scale efforts by grassroots entrepreneurs can place Bangladesh’s economy on a strong foundation of self-reliance.
He said that in the current global context marked by instability and crises, self-sufficiency is the key strength for a nation’s survival. Strengthening the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector and ensuring the maximum use of local resources could be an effective pathway to sustainable development, he added.
The minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the opening session of ‘Chayanika Women Entrepreneurs Festival 2026’, organised by Chayanika at Bangladesh Mahila Samiti on Bailey Road in the capital, marking Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh 1433.
The event was chaired by Tamanna Rahman, general secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Samiti, while internationally acclaimed fashion icon and UNESCO Artist for Peace Bibi Russell inaugurated the event.
Highlighting women entrepreneurs as a strong driving force of the country’s economy, the minister said they are earning through engagement in cottage industries, agro-based businesses, fashion, handicrafts, food processing and other small-scale activities. In doing so, they are not only making their families self-reliant but also contributing to increased local production, job creation and the development of new markets, thereby advancing the national economy.
Referring to the needs of grassroots people across the country, including his own constituency, he said employment opportunities at the grassroots level remain limited. Emphasis should be placed on making rural people work-oriented and ensuring easier marketing of locally produced goods. Women entrepreneurs can play an effective role in this regard, he added.
Among others, Anisa Haque, president of Dhaka Ladies Club, Bengal Foundation Director General Luva Nahid Chowdhury, and Nazmun Nahar, Bangladesh’s first flag-bearing world-travelling female explorer, spoke as special guests. SB Biplob, founder of Chayanika, delivered the welcome speech.
At the end of the programme, the chief guest inaugurated the festival’s signature board and distributed certificates among women entrepreneurs in recognition of their creativity and talent.
Notably, women entrepreneurs are participating in the three-day fair by showcasing their locally made products through various stalls at the Bangladesh Mahila Samiti fair ground.