Bangladesh Bank is set to launch a new investment entity, Startup Investment Bangladesh Limited, next month with an initial fund of Tk 600 crore, Governor Mostaqur Rahman announced.
Speaking at a pre-budget discussion organized by the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Economic Reporters’ Forum on April 25, the governor said the fund would be expanded over time with additional financial resources.
He noted that discussions are underway with the World Bank to secure support for the initiative. If successful, part of the funding may be disbursed as grants to support emerging entrepreneurs and early-stage startups.
The governor also revealed that a separate package is being prepared to revive closed industrial units, which is expected to be announced within the next two weeks. Efforts to recover laundered money are also ongoing, he added.
Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Mozumder, who was present at the event, emphasized the government’s focus on strengthening the SME and startup ecosystem. He said refinancing facilities would be expanded alongside the new fund to improve access to capital.
