Youth today are increasingly choosing entrepreneurship over conventional jobs, Adilur said

Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan said today that the new generation is increasingly turning to entrepreneurship rather than chasing traditional jobs.

“The biggest hurdle for small entrepreneurs is access to finance. Bangladesh Bank must take a proactive stance by offering policies, funds, and advisory support to ensure easier loan facilities for small businesses,” he said.

He made the remarks while speaking at the annual conference and workshop titled “BSCIC at 69: Achievements, Challenges and Prospects” held at the BSCIC Conference Hall in Tejgaon, according to a press release.

The event was chaired by Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Chairman Md Saiful Islam, with Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr Ahsan H Mansur and Additional Secretary (Routine Duty) of the Ministry of Industries Md Nuruzzaman also addressing the programme.

Adilur noted that many industrial plots under BSCIC remain unused and that several estates still struggle with gas and electricity connections. To overcome bureaucratic delays, he stressed the need for BSCIC to swiftly adopt an online one-stop service system.

“Those who are not entrepreneurs but previously received BSCIC plots due to political influence will have their allocations cancelled. In post-July Revolution Bangladesh, we want a fully transparent, accountable, and entrepreneur-friendly BSCIC,” he added.

The Bangladesh Bank Governor said that although a Tk 25,000 crore fund is available, the volume of loans being disbursed to entrepreneurs remains very low.

He admitted that loan distribution has weaknesses and said the central bank intends to expand coverage. Dr Mansur also emphasised that institutions like BSCIC must strengthen their role in connecting entrepreneurs to markets and promoting the use of online platforms.

He added that Bangladesh Bank is working to improve entrepreneurs’ access to international payment systems.

Later, the industries adviser and the central bank governor visited stalls at the BSCIC Bijoy Fair on the ground floor of the BSCIC building and interacted with exhibitors.

Earlier, BSCIC Chairman Md Saiful Islam presented an overview of the organisation’s ongoing activities, and the BSCIC Annual Conference 2025 Souvenir was unveiled.

Additional Secretary Rashidul Hasan, Bangladesh Ship Recycling Board Director General ASM Shafiul Alam Talukder, representatives from the Planning Commission and Finance Division, and officials from various levels of BSCIC were also present.