Information Minister Hasanul Huq Inu on Tuesday called for fixing the loan interest rate at 5 per cent for women entrepreneurs to help them get uplifted from micro level to institutional level.
He, however, called upon women entrepreneurs to build their capacity in business management and ICT and maintain product quality for competing globally.
The minister was addressing an award giving ceremony titled "BWCCI Progressive Award 2015 and 2016" organised by Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) at Institution of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh.
Senior Secretary of Finance Division Hedayetullah Al Mamoon attended the ceremony as the special guest while Managing Director of Diamond World Limited Dilip Kumar Agarwala, MD & CEO of Agrani Bank Mohammad Shams-Ul Islam and Director of ABC Real Estate Ltd Sabina Alam as guests of honour.
BWCCI Senior Vice president Sangita Ahmed was also present at the function chaired by BWCCI president Selima Ahmad. As many as 500 women entrepreneurs from all over the country, donor representatives, bankers, media people, civil society members and directors of BWCCI Board were also present at the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Inu also lauded the role of women entrepreneurs in establishing their position in women development, saying that BWCCI is making great contributions to women economic empowerment in the country.
The BWCCI president said despite obstacles, the number of women entrepreneurs is increasing. They are struggling to move forward due to proper information, financial and policy support, she added.
She also urged the government to provide bank loan to women entrepreneurs at the rate of 5 per cent interest and help increase women's participation in the industry business.
Eight BWCCI entrepreneurs from eight divisions received award for their significant achievement in business and two journalists of electronic and print media also received the award for their contributions towards women entrepreneurship development in the country.
Sabira Yesmin received the award from Barisal division, Minara Begum from Chittagong division, Saba Nowrin Poly from Dhaka division, Surya Parvin from Khulna division, Ziniya Hasnat Jue from Rangpur division, Hasnara Begum Suchi from Rajshahi division, Sufia Iqbal Khan from Sylhet division and Ainun Nahar from Mymensingh division.
Shamima Akter Dola, Senior Reporter of Ekattur Television, and Shanaullah Sakib Tanu, staff reporter of Daily Prothom Alo, won the award from media.
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