Bangladesh Bank Launches New Program to Turn Youth Into Business Owners
Bangladesh Bank started a major new program today, September 16, 2026. This initiative aims to help young people become entrepreneurs. The program, called “Udyog,” seeks to create many new jobs across Bangladesh. It will help young people start their own businesses instead of looking for existing jobs.
The central bank will find promising young people at the upazila level. It will then provide them with money to begin their businesses. In its first phase, the Udyog program will operate in 64 upazilas. These are spread across eight districts, one from each division: Manikganj, Feni, Naogaon, Jhenaidah, Bhola, Habiganj, Rangpur, and Netrokona.
Selected applicants can receive up to Tk 20 lakh (2 million) in financial support. This money can be used for new businesses or to improve existing ones. The support includes both a loan and a grant, meaning some money does not need to be repaid.
Banks will provide half of the total amount, up to Tk 10 lakh, as a loan. The other half, also up to Tk 10 lakh, will be a one-time grant. Entrepreneurs will not need to give any collateral for this financing. Bangladesh Bank confirmed this.
However, beneficiaries must use the money properly. They must also repay the loan parts on time. If a beneficiary does not repay the loan or uses the money for other things, the grant will be cancelled. In that case, the grant amount will also become a loan that must be paid back.
Applicants must meet specific conditions to join the program. On the application deadline, they must be no more than 28 years old. They must also be permanent residents of the upazila where they apply. A strong business idea or plan is also required.
People who have taken loans from banks before cannot apply. Loan defaulters are also not eligible. Government employees or those from semi-government offices are also excluded. Any application with wrong information will be rejected.
Young entrepreneurs in certain fields can get this support. These include farming industries, food processing, handicrafts, fisheries, livestock, tourism, light engineering, and renewable energy. Funding is also available for technology businesses such as e-commerce, fintech, and healthtech. Any other legal business that earns money can also apply.
The application period closes on October 15, 2026. Forms can be downloaded from the Bangladesh Bank website or any scheduled bank’s website. You can submit your completed application to any scheduled bank branch in your local area. Required documents include your National ID, citizenship certificate, photographs, and any education or training certificates.
