Bangladesh moves to operationalise youth entrepreneurship policy
The Ministry of Youth and Sports today signed a scoping document with Plan International Bangladesh and the United Nations Development Programme to jointly develop the National Action Plan for the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy 2025.
The document was signed at a formal ceremony held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, marking the official handover of responsibility for formulating the National Action Plan to Plan International Bangladesh and UNDP.
The signing ceremony was attended by Md Mahbub-ul-Alam, Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports; Sarder M Assaduzzaman, Assistant Resident Representative and Head of the Resilient and Inclusive Growth Cluster of UNDP; and Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, along with senior officials from the three organisations.
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The initiative marks a significant step towards translating the government's Youth Entrepreneurship Policy 2025 into concrete and time-bound actions aimed at strengthening youth-led enterprises, fostering innovation, and promoting inclusive economic participation across Bangladesh.
Speaking at the event, Md Mahbub-ul-Alam said the National Action Plan would play a critical role in operationalising the Youth Entrepreneurship Policy 2025 and ensuring that young people across the country, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, are equipped to participate meaningfully in economic development.
Under the leadership of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the National Action Plan will serve as a coordinated roadmap to implement policy commitments, enhance inter-ministerial collaboration, and align initiatives undertaken by government agencies, the private sector, and development partners. Particular emphasis will be placed on ensuring inclusive access for marginalised and underprivileged youth, including those from rural areas and the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Kabita Bose said that by placing young people at the centre of the process, the National Action Plan has the potential to unlock innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth across communities nationwide.
According to the agreed framework, the Ministry of Youth and Sports will lead and approve the National Action Plan, provide strategic direction, and convene inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms. UNDP and Plan International Bangladesh will jointly provide technical assistance, coordination, and support throughout the formulation, review, validation, and approval process. The draft National Action Plan is expected to be presented by June 2026.
Sarder M Assaduzzaman said UNDP is pleased to support the government in developing an inclusive and evidence-based action plan that strengthens coordination, and creates sustainable opportunities for youth entrepreneurship.
The development process will follow a structured, consultative, and evidence-based approach, beginning with a technical review of existing policies and programmes. This will be followed by national and divisional-level consultations, including targeted engagement with youth groups, start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and key public institutions such as the ICT Division, the SME Foundation, and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority.
An inception workshop and a national validation workshop, both chaired by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, will guide the finalisation and formal approval of the National Action Plan.
The initiative is expected to result in a government-endorsed action plan that strengthens institutional coherence, promotes youth entrepreneurship nationwide, and contributes to Bangladesh's long-term economic transformation.
