Business development services platform gets rolled out in Bangladesh

Centralised national portal aimed at micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

Bangladesh now has a national BDS (business development services) platform for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), making support more accessible for entrepreneurs.

During the portal's launch as part of International MSME Day 2026 celebrations, Minister of Industries Khandakar Abdul Muktadir cited the government's commitment to creating an environment that is more conducive for MSMEs.

Through the BDS platform, entrepreneurs can access reliable business information spanning services, training, financing, networking, and other related support.

The portal was rolled out by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the SME Foundation, and the Ministry of Industries. It is part of ILO's Canada-funded ProGRESS project.

ILO Bangladesh Country Director Max Tuñón stated: "The BDS portal is more than a digital platform. It is a practical tool that connects entrepreneurs with the information and services they need to establish, formalise, and grow their businesses.

"By improving access to quality business development services, it will help strengthen enterprise competitiveness and create more opportunities for decent work."

Meanwhile, practical guidebooks on business licensing, plastic waste management, and light engineering were launched as well.

According to the ILO, MSMEs in Bangladesh account for over 11.7 million operational economic units.