Sunday, 6 October 2024

Ferdaus Ara Begum

Economist and Chief Executive
Sun, 24 Mar 24

Ferdaus Ara Begum is the CEO of Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD), a public private dialogue platform that works for private sector development.

Healthy banking sector key to ensure sustainable economic development

Interview

Thu, 12 Sep 24

Healthy banking sector key to ensure sustainable economic development

Business Initiative Leading Development (BILD) Executive Director Ferdaus Ara Begum has emphasized the critical role of a robust banking sector in ensuring sustainable and effective economic development. Describing the banking sector as the lifeline of a country's economy, she highlighted the need for easy access to bank loans, particularly for entrepreneurs in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. She stressed that developing the SME sector is essential for it to serve as a backward linkage to larger industries. Ferdous Ara Begum shared these insights in an exclusive interview with 'Views Bangladesh,' conducted by economic writer MA Khaleq and the Assistant Editor of Views Bangladesh, Girish Goiric.

Funding women entrepreneurs is essential achieving SDGs

Economics

Sun, 24 Mar 24

Funding women entrepreneurs is essential achieving SDGs

Bangladesh is a progressive nation with a burgeoning development landscape. The possibility of women entrepreneurs thriving in our country is exceptionally bright. With necessary support, female entrepreneurs can contribute even more to national economic development by nurturing their innovative talents. According to the 2013 Economic Census, there were around 7.8 million enterprises in Bangladesh, with only about 7 and half being women-owned. However, with the right assistance, women entrepreneurs have the potential to significantly enhance the nation's economic progress. We are eagerly awaiting the upcoming census. Over the past 11 years, not only has the number of entrepreneurs in the country increased, but the number of women entrepreneurs has also significantly risen. There is no doubt that the growth of female entrepreneurs has been extensive. According to some opinions, the current rate of women entrepreneurs in the country is 20%. According to others, this number might be even higher.