Staff Reporter-  Community Bank Bangladesh PLC. has successfully inaugurated the Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) under the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP) at its Training Academy.

The program is being implemented under the initiative of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, with Bangladesh Bank as the executing agency and financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The initiative aims to develop a skilled workforce, promote entrepreneurship, and enhance economic competitiveness.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Ms. Husne Ara Shikha, Executive Director, Bangladesh Bank, as the Chief Guest. Mr. Nazrul Islam, Program Director & Additional Director, and Mr. Mohammad Wasim, Deputy Program Director & Joint Director, Bangladesh Bank, attended as Special Guests. The session was chaired by Mr. Kimiwa Saddat, Managing Director (Current Charge), Community Bank Bangladesh PLC.

In her speech, the Chief Guest highlighted that SICIP is a forward-looking initiative designed to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity, foster innovation, and generate sustainable employment opportunities. She encouraged the participants to fully utilize the training to build competitive and resilient businesses.

The Special Guests emphasized the importance of structured training, financial literacy, and institutional support in developing successful entrepreneurs. They reaffirmed Bangladesh Bank’s continued commitment to strengthening the SME sector and promoting entrepreneurship across the country.

In his remarks, the Managing Director (Current Charge) expressed sincere gratitude to Bangladesh Bank for providing Community Bank Bangladesh PLC the opportunity to conduct this important program. He reiterated the Bank’s strong commitment to SME development and emphasized that such initiatives play a vital role in innovation, employment generation, and inclusive economic growth. He also advised participants to actively engage in the sessions, apply their learning in real-life business scenarios, and uphold ethical business practices.

According to press release, earlier, the program commenced with a welcome speech by Mr. Hossain-Al-Safeer Chowdhury, Head of SME Division and Program Coordinator, who outlined the objectives and expected outcomes of the training. He mentioned that 25 young and energetic entrepreneurs have been selected for this one-month-long program to enhance their business knowledge, financial management skills, and digital capabilities.

The program is being coordinated by the SME Division, with Mr. H. M. Mahedi Hasan, Manager (Learning & Development) serving as the Center In-Charge, and Mr. Sharif Hasan Mamun as the Co-Trainer. Training sessions will be conducted by experienced internal and external resource persons.

The Entrepreneurship Development Program will continue until May 20, 2026, aiming to equip participants with practical knowledge and skills for sustainable business development.