Khulna University has placed youth entrepreneurship in the spotlight, with its vice-chancellor saying the country’s economy can grow stronger if more young people start businesses instead of waiting only for jobs. He made the remark at the opening of the Youth Entrepreneurship and Startup for Students program, known as YES, held on the university campus. The event was arranged by the SME Foundation with support from Khulna University and its Career Club, and it brought together about 300 students from different universities in Khulna. The message of the program was clear: young people should learn to create work, not only search for it. The vice-chancellor said innovative thinking and soft skills are important for success in business, because new ideas need both creativity and the ability to work with others. He also pointed to the university’s Innovation Hub, which has been set up to train students and offer seed funding for startup ideas. That support can help students move from early ideas to real projects, which is often the hardest step for new entrepreneurs. Officials from Bangladesh Bank and Startup Bangladesh Limited also joined the program, showing that the effort is not just a campus event but part of a wider push to build a stronger startup culture. For many students, such programs can be a first step toward learning how to solve problems, find customers, and manage risk in the real world. They can also build confidence, which matters a great deal when a young person is trying something new. By bringing students, trainers, and financial support groups into one place, the program created a useful space for learning and sharing ideas. It also sent a hopeful message that local talent can play a bigger role in the economy if it is given the right guidance and tools. In a time when job markets can feel tight, events like YES help young people see business as a possible path and not just a distant dream. The gathering showed that entrepreneurship is becoming more than a classroom topic; it is becoming a practical option for students who want to build something of their own and make a real impact.
