Female business leaders and representatives of women’s chambers have called for low-interest loans, simplified access to credit and stronger capacity-building support to ensure the long-term sustainability of women-led enterprises in Bangladesh.
The demands were raised at an exchange meeting organised by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), which focused on the development and skills enhancement of women’s chambers and business associations.
Participants said that, despite existing Bangladesh Bank directives aimed at improving access to finance for women entrepreneurs, significant barriers persist at the implementation level. They noted that commercial bank managers at district and upazila levels frequently impose additional documentation requirements, effectively undermining central bank instructions.
Nasreen Fatema Awal, president of the Women Entrepreneur Association of Bangladesh (WEAB), stressed that effective enforcement of existing policies was as important as introducing new measures. She highlighted the need for lower interest rates, targeted training programmes and regular workshops to support women entrepreneurs.
Ferdaus Ara Begum, chief executive officer of Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD), observed that although the government has introduced several women-friendly policies, many aspiring entrepreneurs in rural areas remain unaware of these facilities. She emphasised the importance of compliance in enabling women to benefit from available support mechanisms.
Addressing structural gaps, FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan said the government had taken steps to establish women’s chambers in every district. He underscored that greater participation of women in economic activities was critical to the country’s overall economic growth.
Tanvir Ahmed, senior adviser to the SheTrades Initiative, highlighted the need to eliminate gender-based discrimination in trade and strengthen connectivity between Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs and experienced international business leaders.
During the meeting, entrepreneurs also called for the introduction of English-language trade licences and special concessions for women participants at trade fairs organised by the Export Promotion Bureau.
Sultana Yasmin, joint secretary at the Ministry of Industries, assured attendees that their recommendations would be conveyed to the relevant authorities for consideration.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Bangladesh Bank, UNDP Bangladesh and the SME Foundation, who outlined ongoing and planned initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s participation in the business sector.
