Planning minister MA Mannan has called upon women entrepreneurs to be involved in diversified businesses with innovative ideas utilising digital infrastructure.
The minister made the call while virtually inaugurating a session of the training workshop on 'Promoting Democratic Participation in the Digital Economy,' organised by the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI).
BWCCI president Selima Ahmad facilitated the session when the minister talked over phone from the hospital as he tested COVID-19 positive.
The planning minister stressed the women's involvement in diversified businesses with innovative ideas, saying women entrepreneurs should avail the government-built digital infrastructure.
As they face lots of challenges due to the pandemic, the minister called for budget allocation for women entrepreneurs.
"It is the government's responsibility, especially the ICT Ministry to ensure the digital platform and infrastructure for women," he said, adding the women entrepreneurs deserve to get tax rebate.
Additional secretary the ICT Division Dr. Khandokar Azizul Islam, executive director of Bangladesh Bank Lila Rashid, CEO of bkash Kamal Quadir, senior research fellow of BIDS Dr. Nazneen Ahmed, representatives from Eastern Bank Limited attended the session, among others.
Lila Rashid requested the women entrepreneurs to study and follow the circulars of Bangladesh Bank carefully and apply for loan.
She also advised them to seek written document if any bank refuses their loan application.
The ED of the central bank requested them to use BB hotline center and BWCCI's support to report in case of any discrepancies in documents.
Selima Ahmad called upon Bangladesh Bank to promote digital economy for women's economic empowerment and access to finance for all.
Ensuring effective dissemination of information by all the banks and their branches is essential so that the bankers cannot refuse the applicants.
Citing the example of stimulus package for Covid-19, she said it must be accessible to all the eligible women entrepreneurs
