Al-Arafah Islami Bank has launched a special month-long training program to promote sustainable entrepreneur development and strengthen the SME sector. Conducted under the SCICP project at the Al-Arafah Islami Bank Training Institute (AIBTI), the program is supported by Bangladesh Bank’s SME Special Program Department (SMESPD) and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Director of SMESPD of Bangladesh Bank Naushad Mostafa inaugurated the training program as the chief guest on Monday, 24 November. Managing Director (Acting) of the Bank Mohd. Rafat Ullah Khan presided over the session.

Chief Guest Naushad Mostafa emphasized the need for skilled, innovative, and ethical entrepreneurs to drive Bangladesh’s sustainable economic growth. He highlighted business opportunity identification, ethical practices, good governance, and modern entrepreneurial skills, noting that entrepreneur development accelerates national growth, employment, and inclusive development.

In his speech as the president Mohd. Rafat Ullah Khan said, “Business success comes through planning, innovation, financial discipline, and integrity.” He urged participants to apply the training in real-life business and assured support through financial guidance and advice.

Also present at the program were Bangladesh Bank Joint Director Md. Ayub Ali, AIBTI Principal Md. Abdur Rahim Duari, Senior Vice President Touhid Siddiquee, Center In-charge and Course Coordinator Saif Mohammad Zulkar Nine, along with senior officials.

Special guests highlighted the importance of business planning, market analysis, customer relationships, digital capabilities, and Shariah-compliant financing. They noted Al-Arafah Islami Bank’s longstanding role in CMSME training, entrepreneur development, and financing.

The training program hosts 25 new and aspiring entrepreneurs from Dhaka. Participants will be trained in business planning, legal frameworks, financial management, digital marketing, market strategies, startup development, and practical entrepreneurial skills.