Govt plans display centres for women entrepreneurs

The government plans to establish display centres to help women entrepreneurs showcase and market their products and reach a wider customer base, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said.

She made the announcement while addressing the closing ceremony of the three-day National SME Women Entrepreneurs’ Summit 2026 in Dhaka on Saturday as the chief guest.

The SME Foundation organised the summit, along with a product fair, buyer-seller matchmaking programme and award ceremony, from 5 to 7 November at the Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM) premises.

Speaking at the event, Shama Obaed Islam said the proposed display centres would create opportunities for women entrepreneurs to promote their products and connect with potential buyers.

The closing ceremony was chaired by Industries Secretary and SME Foundation Chairperson Abdun Naser Khan.

Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and SME Foundation Board Member Md Nuruzzaman and BIM Director General Md Salim Ullah also attended the event, with the latter delivering the welcome remarks.

SME Foundation Deputy Managing Director Farzana Khan outlined the summit’s objectives and background, while Managing Director (Additional Charge) Nazeem Hassan Satter delivered the vote of thanks.

Addressing the programme, Abdun Naser Khan said the success of one woman entrepreneur could inspire and guide others.

He said the SME Foundation would continue supporting women entrepreneurs in accessing business finance and adopting advanced technologies.

Eight successful women entrepreneurs, representing the country’s eight administrative divisions, were recognised for their achievements and contributions.

The award recipients were Sagufhta Sultana from Rajbari in Dhaka Division, Manjulika Chakma from Rangamati in Chattogram Division, Afroza Aziz Munni from Rajshahi, Mariam Nargis from Jashore in Khulna Division, Bilkis Ahmed Lily from Barishal, Hena Khatun from Jamalpur in Mymensingh Division, Umme Kulsum Popy from Rangpur and Shantana from Sylhet.

The summit aimed to highlight the achievements, potential and challenges of women entrepreneurs while creating opportunities for networking, business partnerships and market expansion.

Speakers noted that despite growing participation in the SME sector, women entrepreneurs continued to face difficulties in accessing finance, markets, technology, skills development, branding and business networks.

Work-life balance and mental well-being also remained important challenges for women running businesses.

Around 60 women entrepreneurs showcased and sold products at the three-day fair, representing sectors including clothing and fashion, handicrafts, jute products, leather goods, processed food, home décor, jewellery, cosmetics, agricultural products and digital services.

A buyer-seller matchmaking programme was also organised to connect women entrepreneurs with potential institutional buyers, including corporate organisations, supermarkets, retail chains, online marketplaces, distributors, wholesalers, fashion brands and exporters.

Read More

Foreign debt triples to $113.43b in a decade

The summit featured discussions, seminars and experience-sharing sessions on business start-up challenges, financing, market development, branding, digital marketing, e-commerce and business expansion.

Participants also shared lessons from business setbacks and strategies for overcoming challenges.

In addition, mental health awareness sessions focused on stress management, balancing business and personal responsibilities, coping with failure and uncertainty, building self-confidence and seeking support.

The event also highlighted success stories of women entrepreneurs to encourage greater participation and growth in the SME sector.