Trust Bank PLC has successfully concluded the second batch of its month-long Entrepreneurship Development Program in Saidpur, Nilphamari. This initiative was conducted under the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP), underscoring the financial institution’s ongoing commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth at the grassroots level.
Program Framework and Strategic Objectives
The training program was executed in accordance with a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 30 April 2025. This strategic agreement involved the SICIP Project Implementation Unit, the Small and Medium Enterprise and Special Programmes Department (SMESPD) of Bangladesh Bank, and Trust Bank PLC.
The primary objective of the curriculum was to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential technical skills and management knowledge required to establish competitive and sustainable business enterprises. By providing structured training, the program aims to bridge the gap between entrepreneurial ambition and the practical requirements of modern industrial competitiveness.
Closing Ceremony and Distinguished Guests
The formal closing ceremony for Batch-2 took place on 4 May 2026 at the Eque Heritage Hotel and Resort in Saidpur. The event served as a platform to recognize the progress of the participants and to reiterate the importance of SME development in the national economy.
Ms Hosne Ara Shikha, Executive Director of Bangladesh Bank, attended the proceedings as the Chief Guest. Her presence highlighted the central bank’s regulatory support and interest in skill-based development initiatives. Trust Bank PLC was represented by a high-level delegation of senior executives and regional officials who oversaw the program’s implementation.
| Official Representative | Designation |
| Ms Hosne Ara Shikha | Executive Director, Bangladesh Bank (Chief Guest) |
| Brig. Gen. M. Shamsuzzaman (Retd.) | SEVP & Principal, Training Academy, Trust Bank |
| Mr Mahboob Hossain | SEVP & Head of Business, Trust Bank |
| Mr Sadat Ahmad Khan | SVP & Head of SME Division, Trust Bank |
| Regional Managers | Branch Managers, Trust Bank PLC |
Impact and Developmental Significance
As part of the SICIP framework, this program specifically targets the enhancement of industry-specific skills and innovation. For the region of Nilphamari, such initiatives are vital for the formalisation of small businesses and the creation of local employment opportunities. Trust Bank has positioned itself as a key facilitator in this process, ensuring that entrepreneurs have access to both the financial literacy and the professional training necessary to navigate the complexities of the SME sector.
The successful completion of this second batch marks another milestone in the collaboration between the banking sector and the national developmental projects aimed at long-term economic sustainability. Through such structured interventions, the SICIP project continues to empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to the industrial landscape of Bangladesh.