Tk400cr earmarked for start-ups, women and young entrepreneurs in FY27 budget
Finance minister says the government is committed to making youth self-reliant and fostering new entrepreneurship; social safety net coverage to be expanded further in the coming fiscal year
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has announced that the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 includes a total allocation of Tk400 crore for a start-up fund, women's entrepreneurship development, women's advancement, and the creation of young entrepreneurs.
The minister made the disclosure during the question-and-answer session of the National Parliament today (9 June), in response to a query raised by Syed Joynul Abedin, lawmaker from the Dhaka-4 constituency.
He said easy-term youth loans are being disbursed through the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Karma Sangsthan Bank (Employment Bank). In addition, low-interest loans for small and medium entrepreneurs across the country are being arranged through Startup Bangladesh Limited, under the Information and Communication Technology Division, and various funds under the Finance Division.
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He noted that the revised budget for the current fiscal year 2025-26 includes an allocation of Tk200 crore under the 'start-up fund' head, with the proposed outlay for the next fiscal year doubling that figure.
The finance minister also said the government has been gradually increasing both the number of beneficiaries and the amount of allowances under the social safety net across the country.
He added that the government is actively considering further expanding the coverage and allocations - in the upcoming fiscal year - of ongoing social protection programmes for low-income and marginalised populations, including the Family Card, Farmer Card, old-age allowance, widow and distressed women allowance, and disability allowance.
