Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that the government will continue supporting innovative startups, saying ventures with strong potential will be eligible for renewed financial assistance even if they fail on their first attempt.

Speaking as the chief guest at a special programme titled “Youth, Startups and the Bangladesh of Possibilities” at the University of Dhaka on Tuesday, the prime minister said the government is committed to fostering innovation and helping entrepreneurs turn new ideas into successful businesses.

“If a startup fails the first time but demonstrates genuine potential, the government will provide financial support again to help it move forward,” he said.

The prime minister arrived at the Dhaka University campus around 10:00 am, where he was welcomed by leaders and activists of the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal. The visit marks his second trip to the university since assuming office.

The event, organised by the ICT Division in collaboration with the University of Dhaka, began at the Nawab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Building with the recitation of religious scriptures and the national anthem.

Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Fakir Mahbub Anam and the Prime Minister’s ICT Adviser Rehan Asif Asad attended the programme as special guests.

The event featured a documentary on Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem, experience-sharing sessions by successful entrepreneurs, an open discussion between the prime minister and students, and the distribution of grant cheques to selected entrepreneurs.

During the programme, the government also officially launched the National Startup and Entrepreneur Platform, a digital portal designed to provide entrepreneurs with access to government support, training, mentorship, investment opportunities, and a range of public services through a single platform.