Special Envoy to the Chief Adviser for International Affairs Lutfey Siddiqi, on Tuesday emphasized the government’s recognition of youth entrepreneurship as a key driver of inclusive growth and innovation.
Calling for deeper integration across sectors, he urged greater collaboration between government, the private sector, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurship support organizations to unlock Bangladesh’s full potential.
He was addressing as chief guest an event titled Ecosystem in Action: Powering Future Builders, hosted jointly by Uniliver Bangladesh Limited (UBL) and Orange Corners Bangladesh (OCB).
He highlighted how initiatives like Orange Corners align with the country’s broader economic vision and youth development goals.
The event brought together early-stage business supported by Orange Corner Bangladesh and leaders from the private sector, government, embassies, as well as development sector to drive engagement and support for Bangladeshi youth-led innovations and businesses.
Held at The Westin Dhaka, the event provided a dynamic platform for early-stage businesses supported by Orange Corners Bangladesh to engage directly with private sector leaders, investors, and ecosystem enablers, fostering connections that are critical for investment, mentorship, and market access.
The evening featured a fireside chat with Kamal Quadir, Founder and CEO of bKash, and Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh, moderated by Sarah Iqbal, Head of Impact Partners at SAJIDA Foundation.
The conversation explored leadership, growth, and the challenges of entrepreneurship in Bangladesh, offering candid insights into high-stakes decision-making, building trust with regulators and partners, navigating uncertainty, and the role of private sector engagement in scaling real, impact-driven businesses in Bangladesh.
Andre Carstens, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh said, "The youth of Bangladesh is full of fresh ideas, technologically savvy, willing to solve social challenges and to help Bangladesh grow. But talent and such a drive is not enough. Startups do not grow in isolation, they grow in ecosystems. The Netherlands initiated Orange Corners to create such an ecosystem by working together with the private sector to support these early-stage entrepreneurs."
Zaved Akhtar, Chairman and Managing Director of Unilever Bangladesh said, “At Unilever, we are committed to unlocking the full potential of Bangladesh’s youth by enabling them to become the architects of a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future. ”
