Can Bangladesh become a startup hub?

Beyond garments and remittances, Bangladesh's economy is transforming, and startups are picking up steam. Young demography -- a population above 60 per cent under 35 years old -- coupled with 130 million mobile internet users is driving fast digital penetration. From fintech to e-commerce, entrepreneurs are solving domestic problems with solutions that are scalable.
Recent capital raises for companies such as bKash, Pathao, and ShopUp are hopeful signs for increasing investor enthusiasm. But relative to India or Vietnam, capital injections are smaller. Voluminous regulations, payment hassles and unclear exits still repel most international investors.
The government has responded through the initiation of programmes like Startup Bangladesh Limited and ICT incubators. Simplification of policy and infrastructure beyond Dhaka are, however, vital for the success of the startups.
Bangladesh possesses a natural resource: a large domestic market and low business costs. Backed up by favorable investor reforms, improved logistics and increased regional integration, the country has the promise to be South Asia's future digital entrepreneurship hub.
The components are in place; action will determine if Bangladesh may transition from promise to potency within the regional startup ecosystem.
Md Kamrul Ahsan Shamim
Student
North South University