The government has proposed an initial allocation of Tk 3.0 billion for the development of the creative economy sector in fiscal year 2026-27, while an additional Tk 5.0 billion will be mobilised from the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund of Bangladesh Bank.
Placing the national budget in parliament on Thursday, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government has attached special importance to the creative economy to fulfil its electoral commitments, reports BSS.
"Although the creative industry is a promising sector of our economy, it has never been given due importance. In fulfilment of our government's electoral commitments, we are giving special priority to the development of the creative economy. Our goal is to unlock the vast economic potential of the country's creative industries and integrate them into the mainstream economy."
The finance minister said establishment of Creative Hubs at the national and regional levels is essential for the development of the creative economy. These hubs will feature cultural venues, bookstores (with reading facilities), cineplexes, small-scale cafeterias, and dedicated spaces for showcasing and marketing of specialty products unique to their respective regions.
He also said a 10-year investment strategy and time-bound action plan are being formulated to develop regional creative hubs across the country. A feasibility assessment is being undertaken on an urgent basis with a view to expediting the establishment of a world-class Central Creative Hub on 160 acres of land in Purbachal under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
He said efforts are also underway to assess the feasibility of establishing Creative Hub at Karwan Bazar, adjacent to the Office of the Survey General in Tejgaon, and on vacant industrial plots under BSCIC, following a review of their current status.
In addition, he said, initiatives are being taken to establish Creative Hubs at the divisional, district, and upazila levels, as well as within the premises of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Innovation Hubs have already been established in engineering and technology universities.
Furthermore, steps have been taken to formulate a roadmap for gradually establishing Innovation Hubs in universities and undergraduate colleges across the country, he added.
The minister said that the government is providing necessary support to strengthen the global marketing of creative products. "Active support will be provided to Bangladeshi content creators and companies in this sector to help them enter international markets. A national brand titled 'Created in Bangladesh' will be launched to showcase the country's creative potential in international festivals and markets," he said.
Amir Khosru Mahmud said the government is undertaking multifaceted strategies to enhance the contribution of various sectors of the creative economy, with the aim of increasing its share to 1.5 percent of GDP and generating 500,000 new jobs in this sector.
