Climate change is no longer a challenge of the future—it is a pressing reality of the present. Already burdened by high unemployment and further exposed to climate vulnerabilities, young people need to explore alternative opportunities such as entrepreneurship to secure their livelihoods and contribute to economic stability. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) Labour Force Survey 2023, 7.2% of the country’s 26.76 million young labour force remain unemployed, amounting to approximately 1.94 million individuals.
Speakers highlighted these concerns at the ‘Project Reflections and Youth Entrepreneurship Fair’, jointly hosted by BRAC and TikTok. The event, held at BRAC Centre, Dhaka, on Sunday, 7 September, marked the completion of the Climate Resilient Entrepreneurship Programme for Youth-led Businesses. This one-year pilot initiative has supported 1,350 young entrepreneurs from climate-risk districts of Rajshahi, Rangpur, Sylhet, Khulna and Barishal.
Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, Managing Director of SME Foundation, attended the event as Chief Guest, while Shamima Akhter, Director of Corporate Affairs, Partnerships and Communications at Unilever, was present as Guest of Honour. Safi Rahman Khan, Director of Education, Skills Development and Migration programmes at BRAC, joined alongside senior leadership and representatives from both BRAC and TikTok. Md Belayet Hossan, Associate Director, shared an insight into BRAC’s Microfinance Programme.
Highlighting a 51% rise in MSME entrepreneurs between 2022 and 2025, Anwar Hossain Chowdhury noted that young entrepreneurs not only have the opportunity to fulfil their own aspirations but also to generate employment, inspire their communities, and promote entrepreneurship as a viable alternative to traditional jobs.
Shamima Akhter commented that such initiatives provide insights for targeted investment and help youth realise their potential, which is vital for Bangladesh’s development. She also stressed the importance of fostering innovation and leveraging technology to ensure sustainable and distinctive business solutions.
In his closing address, Safi Rahman Khan noted that Bangladesh’s youth have demonstrated strong entrepreneurial potential. He also stressed the need for more entrepreneurs to navigate the volatility of the micro-level economy.
The opening address was delivered by Kazi Roushan Ara, Programme Head of BRAC’s Skills Development Programme, followed by a keynote presentation on the project from Md Al Imran, Head of Operations of the same programme. The project’s endline findings were presented by Sazidur Rahman, Head of Monitoring at BRAC.
The fair featured 11 stalls where youth entrepreneurs were promoting their climate-resilient products and services. Products ranging from environment-friendly handicrafts, clothing items, and pottery items, among others, were displayed at the fair.
A panel discussion with participants Nadira Khatun and Most. Umme Salma from Chapainawabganj, Shammi Akter and Minu Begum from Nilphamari also provided insight on the challenges and achievements of youth entrepreneurs in climate vulnerable regions.
