Policy support for startups

I am writing to draw attention to a crucial yet less discussed issue in our national business discourse-the urgent need for comprehensive policy support for Bangladesh's startup ecosystem. While the government has made strides in promoting digital transformation, the startup landscape, which has immense potential to drive economic growth and job creation, remains constrained by a lack of structural support, regulatory clarity, and investment incentives.
Startups in Bangladesh, particularly in fintech, health tech, and e-commerce, are creating innovative solutions tailored to local needs. However, these ventures face significant challenges in accessing funding, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, and dealing with outdated regulations not designed for modern, technology-driven enterprises. Most early-stage entrepreneurs lack access to venture capital and must rely on personal savings or informal funding, limiting their scalability and survival.
Furthermore, Bangladesh does not yet have a "startup-friendly" legal framework. Many founders struggle with company registration, foreign investment compliance, and intellectual property protection. Our neighboring countries, such as India and Vietnam, have already implemented dedicated startup policies, tax incentives, and government-backed venture capital funds. Bangladesh risks falling behind in the regional innovation race without similar proactive measures.
I urge the relevant authorities to consider the introduction of a National Startup Policy that includes tax holidays for early-stage startups, easier access to credit and equity financing, startup incubation centers in public universities, and streamlined regulatory procedures. Encouraging angel investment through tax benefits and creating a startup stock exchange board for easier exits would also be game-changing steps.
In an economy where over 2 million youths enter the workforce each year, supporting entrepreneurship is not a luxury-it is an economic necessity. Let us not delay the opportunity to empower our brightest minds to build the future of Bangladesh.

Fatematuj Johora Momota
Student
North South University
aminjohoramomota@gmail.com