United News of Bangladesh

Women Entrepreneurs Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) on Thursday described the proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026-27 as timely, realistic and inclusive, saying it has been designed to address current economic challenges and ensure sustainable development. .The observation came at a "WEAB Budget Review Press Conference" held at Anchor Tower in the capital, where the organisation reviewed key aspects of the recently announced national budget, its potential impact, challenges and recommendations. Speakers at the event said the budget sets clear economic targets, including achieving 6.5 percent economic growth and reducing inflation to 7.5 percent. They noted that the budget places importance on creating new entrepreneurs, expanding small and medium enterprises (SMEs), strengthening social safety net programmes and building a foundation for long-term economic stability and sustainable development. WEAB President Nasreen Fatema Awal said the budget has been formulated with the goal of building an inclusive, equitable and participatory economy, with special emphasis on increasing the economic participation of women, youth and marginalised groups. She welcomed the allocation of Tk 400 crore in the information and communication technology sector for startup development, women entrepreneurs and youth entrepreneurship in the 2026-27 fiscal year, saying it would help enhance the capabilities of women entrepreneurs, expand businesses through technology and create new entrepreneurs. Nasreen also positively viewed the government's announcement of a Tk 60,000 crore incentive package aimed at increasing investment and employment. She said allocating a specific portion of the fund on easy terms for women-led SMEs, cottage industries, rural women entrepreneurs and new business ventures would further enhance women's contribution to the economy. Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Office National Cell member and technical expert on the 25 crore tree plantation programme, Jamail Basir JB, said the government plans to establish 10,000 nurseries and create employment opportunities for 600,000 people under a five-year programme to plant 25 crore trees. He said more than 400,000 of those jobs would be reserved for women, particularly from marginalised communities. "We want organisations like WEAB to work with us because it is difficult for us alone to reach all these women," he said. Jamail said rural women would be encouraged to establish small home nurseries with 50 to 100 saplings, which the programme would purchase from them, providing direct financial benefits. They would also be involved in tree plantation and maintenance activities, creating additional income opportunities. He invited WEAB to join the programme and help connect women from marginalised communities with the initiative. WEAB placed five recommendations before the government: ensuring effective implementation of separate quotas and easier collateral requirements for women entrepreneurs in bank loans and SME financing; launching special programmes at district and upazila levels to improve market access, e-commerce capabilities and product branding; expanding training on technology, digital marketing, export readiness and financial management; ensuring preferential participation of women entrepreneurs in public procurement; and reducing tax-related complexities and simplifying business registration procedures.

A three-day Baishakhi Fair began at Gulshan Ladies Community Club in the capital on Monday, marking Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year. Women Entrepreneur Association of Bangladesh (WEAB) arranged the fair at the club, said a press release. WEAB president Salma Masud inaugurated the fair in presence of the organisation’s founding president Nasreen Fatema Awal and EC member Nazma Islam. Also read: A fair in Rangamati you can't miss before Boisabi! The fair will continue until 8pm on Wednesday. There are 25 stalls in the fair offering different traditional products produced by women entrepreneurs.  The core objective of the fair is to promote and sell products of women entrepreneurs who joined the fair from different districts of Bangladesh. Also read: 'Secret Documents' on Bangabandhu: International editions launched at London Book Fair