More women in Khagrachhari turn to entrepreneurship, driving local economy

KHAGRACHHARI, May 05 (UNB): Breaking away from traditional career expectations, an increasing number of women in Khagrachhari are choosing entrepreneurship over conventional jobs, emerging as successful business owners and contributing to the local economy.
After completing their education, many women in the hill district are no longer waiting for government or private sector jobs. Instead, they are launching their own ventures, ranging from clothing and fashion businesses to traditional jewellery and indigenous handmade products.
Women entrepreneurs in the district say they will be able to generate more employment opportunities and make a significant contribution to the country's economy if they receive low-interest loans, flexible financing and stronger government patronage.
Challenging the long-held notion that women are confined to household chores and childcare, women entrepreneurs in Khagrachhari are proving their capabilities in business and innovation. According to local entrepreneurs, around 45-50 women in the district are currently engaged in various businesses. Many are involved in the clothing trade, fashion accessories and the marketing of traditional indigenous attire, including Pinon Hadi, a popular garment worn by ethnic minority women in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Several of them have already achieved notable success, although they say additional institutional support is necessary to scale up their businesses.
Among the prominent entrepreneurs are Tejashree Chakma, proprietor of Fusion Mart; Baby Chakma, owner of Fashion Code; and Hira Chakma, proprietor of Hira Fashion.
They said most women entrepreneurs in Khagrachhari are educated and deliberately chose business as a profession instead of pursuing conventional employment after graduation.
They also said experienced entrepreneurs are encouraging newcomers, and a stronger community network among both new and established businesswomen could further strengthen the district's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Despite visible progress, many women entrepreneurs say they do not yet consider themselves fully successful due to limited access to government support and business development opportunities.

They said many women still lack access to regular training, product development support and market expansion opportunities. Although some receive one or two training sessions annually, many others are left out.

The entrepreneurs also noted that many of them face challenges in travelling outside Khagrachhari to source products, limiting their ability to expand and diversify their businesses.

They expressed hope that easier access to government support and business loans on simplified terms will enable them to play a more meaningful role in economic development.

Susmita Chakma, Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs in Khagrachhari, said the department is actively working to empower women through various skill-development initiatives.

She said women are being provided with training in tailoring, handicrafts, and bamboo- and cane-based bag making, along with other income-generating activities.

Susmita added that the department also works with women entrepreneurs and will provide financial support or loans to eligible businesswomen seeking to expand their ventures.

According to her, the department is set to honour five women this year in different categories in recognition of their achievements and contributions.