Community Bank Bangladesh PLC has inaugurated an Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) under the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP) at its Training Academy, aimed at strengthening entrepreneurial capacity and supporting skills development in Bangladesh’s SME sector.
The programme is being implemented under the initiative of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, with Bangladesh Bank acting as the executing agency. Financial assistance for the broader SICIP framework is being provided by the Asian Development Bank. The initiative is designed to enhance workforce skills, promote entrepreneurship, and improve overall economic competitiveness.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by senior officials from Bangladesh Bank and Community Bank Bangladesh PLC. The Chief Guest, Ms. Husne Ara Shikha, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, underscored that SICIP is a forward-looking initiative intended to build entrepreneurial capacity, encourage innovation, and create sustainable employment opportunities. She encouraged participants to make full use of the training modules to develop competitive and resilient business ventures.
Special Guests included Mr. Nazrul Islam, Program Director & Additional Director of Bangladesh Bank, and Mr. Mohammad Wasim, Deputy Program Director & Joint Director of Bangladesh Bank. Both highlighted the importance of structured training, financial literacy, and institutional support in fostering successful entrepreneurship. They reaffirmed Bangladesh Bank’s continued focus on SME development and inclusive economic growth.
The programme session was chaired by Mr. Kimiwa Saddat, Managing Director (Current Charge) of Community Bank Bangladesh PLC, who expressed gratitude to Bangladesh Bank for entrusting the institution with the implementation of the programme. He reiterated the bank’s commitment to SME development and stressed that such initiatives contribute to innovation, employment generation, and sustainable economic progress. He also urged participants to engage actively in the training and apply the knowledge in practical business settings while maintaining ethical standards.
Earlier, Mr. Hossain-Al-Safeer Chowdhury, Head of SME Division and Programme Coordinator, delivered the welcome address and outlined the objectives and expected outcomes of the training. He confirmed that 25 selected young entrepreneurs are participating in the one-month programme, which focuses on business development, financial management, and digital skills enhancement.
Key Participants and Roles
| Name | Position | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| Ms. Husne Ara Shikha | Executive Director (Chief Guest) | Bangladesh Bank |
| Mr. Nazrul Islam | Program Director & Additional Director (Special Guest) | Bangladesh Bank |
| Mr. Mohammad Wasim | Deputy Program Director & Joint Director (Special Guest) | Bangladesh Bank |
| Mr. Kimiwa Saddat | Managing Director (Current Charge) | Community Bank Bangladesh PLC |
| Mr. Hossain-Al-Safeer Chowdhury | Head of SME Division & Programme Coordinator | Community Bank Bangladesh PLC |
The Entrepreneurship Development Program is scheduled to continue until 20 May 2026. It will be delivered by experienced internal and external resource persons and is expected to equip participants with practical skills required for sustainable business operations and improved entrepreneurial performance.