Students at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology received a clear message to think beyond job hunting and start building their own businesses, as the Industry and Commerce Minister urged young people to become entrepreneurs and use bank financing and other funding options to turn ideas into practical startups. Speaking at the opening of the Youth Entrepreneurship & Startups for Students program, he said Bangladesh needs more people who can mix knowledge, innovation, and business thinking to support long-term growth. He explained that a strong economy depends not only on factories and trade, but also on skilled people who can create new solutions, build new companies, and use technology in smart ways. The minister praised students for their creative projects and said their work already shows the country’s growing potential in science and technology. He pointed to examples such as mini submarines and remote-controlled cars made by SUST students, saying such projects reflect the energy and talent found in the classroom and laboratory. He also said universities like SUST and Sylhet Agricultural University should be developed as regional knowledge hubs, where learning, research, and practical business ideas can grow together. The minister added that if universities submit integrated plans for new departments, transport support, and student housing, the government would consider helping them move forward. He also encouraged the use of research-based knowledge in industries such as fertilizer and sugar, where better methods can raise productivity and reduce waste. Another important part of his message was that students should take advantage of internships and real industry exposure so they can connect their studies with the needs of the job market and business world. The event brought together university leaders, government officials, and finance sector representatives, showing that support for startups needs teamwork from education, banking, and industry. The wider goal is to build a knowledge-based economy where ideas, skills, and innovation matter as much as traditional business strength. For students, the message was simple and practical: learn well, think boldly, and turn good ideas into useful work. For the country, that could mean more startups, more jobs, and a stronger future built by young people who are ready to create instead of wait. The program also sends a hopeful signal that universities are not only places for degrees, but also places where future business leaders and problem solvers can begin their journey. If students respond to that call, the impact could reach far beyond campus and help shape a more modern, skilled, and self-reliant economy.
