The vitality of Bangladesh's economy lies in its rural life. A large part of the population lives in villages and their livelihood depends on agriculture, cottage industries and small businesses. For a long time, the rural economy was mainly limited to agricultural production. But due to the spread of modern technology, the expansion of education, the development of communication systems and digital facilities, a new type of economic trend is being created in rural society. Many of the young generation are no longer just heading to cities in the hope of jobs, but are instead using their skills to build new businesses and industries in the villages. They are becoming self-reliant by raising poultry, fish farming, processing agricultural products, handicrafts or online-based businesses and are also creating employment opportunities for the people around them.
This awakening of rural entrepreneurs is not only helping to alleviate poverty in villages, but is also providing a solid foundation for the national economy. Because, the use of local resources, environmentally friendly initiatives, women's participation and the expansion of small businesses - all of this is creating a framework for sustainable development. Today's rural entrepreneurs can become the driving force of a developed Bangladesh in the future, if the necessary support, training and technology can be provided to them. Therefore, it can be said that the awakening of rural entrepreneurs is one of the main foundations of a sustainable economy.
Bangladesh is an agrarian country. Our rural society is still inextricably linked to agriculture. However, with the touch of modernity, technological advancement and the spread of education, the trend of entrepreneurship among the new generation in rural society is rapidly increasing. They are not only self-reliant in agriculture, but also using agro-based industries, small businesses, cottage industries, service sectors and information technology to become self-reliant and create employment opportunities for the people around them. This awakening of entrepreneurs is not only changing the economic picture of villages, but is also emerging as an important force in the overall economic sustainable development of the country.
Most of the people of Bangladesh live in villages. Therefore, national development is not possible without rural development. In the past, villages were called agrarian societies, where production depended on the production of rice, wheat, jute or vegetables. But with the change of time, people have realized that it is possible to develop new businesses and industries in various ways centered around the agricultural sector. For example, dairy product processing, honey production, poultry and fish farms, vegetable preservation and processing, textile and handicraft production-all these are now becoming major sources of income for rural entrepreneurs. As a result, not only agricultural production, but also opportunities for modernization and diversification of the agro-based economy have been created.
A kind of confidence has been created among rural entrepreneurs that they can create an employment environment in their own villages if they want. Whereas earlier, many young people rushed to the cities for jobs after completing their education, now many are starting businesses from the villages. As a result, unemployment in villages is decreasing, and the urban-oriented population flow is also coming under some control. At the same time, the purchasing power of rural people is increasing, the local market is flourishing, and the quality of rural life is improving.
A sustainable economy refers to an economic system where the potential for future generations is not lost while meeting the needs of the present generation. The rural entrepreneurship movement is taking this idea forward. Because they mainly run their businesses using local resources and skills, which reduces external dependence. For example, if a farmer produces organic fertilizer and uses it on his own land and sells the excess fertilizer, he is protecting the environment, increasing agricultural productivity and earning additional income. In this way, a small enterprise becomes part of sustainable development.
The role of women entrepreneurs is particularly significant in this regard. Although rural women were previously limited to household work, they are now involved in economic activities through handicrafts, sewing, making pitha or pickles, raising poultry or selling products online. This is improving their family situation and increasing their status in society. This economic participation of women is not only ensuring the self-reliance of the family, but is also having a positive impact on the national economy.
Various government projects, NGO support and bank loan opportunities have also opened new horizons for rural entrepreneurs. Where it was difficult to get bank loans earlier, now many entrepreneurs are able to start businesses through microfinance and special projects. In addition, the spread of digital technology has been a blessing for rural entrepreneurs. Through mobile banking, e-commerce, and social media business platforms, rural entrepreneurs can easily deliver their products from one end of the country to the other or even abroad.
However, challenges remain despite everything. Many rural entrepreneurs are not skilled in business knowledge, marketing strategies, or the use of technology. Competition in the market is increasing, but they often face losses due to lack of necessary training. Again, business expansion is also hampered by the lack of electricity, transportation system, warehouse facilities, or quality communication infrastructure. The government and related organizations need to take more effective steps to address these challenges.
It is important to improve the skills of rural entrepreneurs through education and training. They will be more successful if they are trained, especially in business plan preparation, financial management, marketing strategies, product quality control, etc. Besides, in rural areas,
If the use of modern technology is ensured, both productivity and market expansion will become easier.
One thing that is particularly noteworthy is that the awakening of rural entrepreneurs is not only providing economic benefits, but is also playing a role in social development. When entrepreneurs are created, employment increases, poverty decreases, social stability increases, and crime rates decrease. As a result, a well-ordered and self-reliant society is developed.
One of the foundations on which Bangladesh is walking on the path of a developed country is the development of the rural economy. If rural entrepreneurs can create a strong foundation, the national economy will be more consolidated. The contribution of agro-based industries and small entrepreneurs to our GDP is much higher. Therefore, their awakening is actually the driving force for the overall sustainable development of the country.
Above all, it can be said that the awakening of rural entrepreneurs is a kind of economic revolution, which is shaping the future development of Bangladesh. If the right support, training, technology and infrastructure can be ensured, a sustainable economy will be developed in the hands of rural entrepreneurs, which will take not only the villages, but the entire country forward on the path of prosperity.
Rural entrepreneurship awakening is not just a financial process, but also a social movement. It not only shows rural people the path to income and livelihood, but also shows them their self-esteem, dreams and future direction. If government support, training, technology and market facilities are ensured, this entrepreneurial awakening will be the economic power of Bangladesh. A sustainable economy will be developed through self-reliant villages, and on this foundation, Bangladesh will move forward towards a developed and prosperous future.
The foundation of Bangladesh's sustainable economy is being built through rural entrepreneurship awakening. By utilizing local resources and skills, rural youth are opening new horizons in agriculture, cottage industries, processing and online business. This is increasing employment, reducing poverty and controlling the urban population flow. Women's participation is also taking the rural economy to new heights. However, easy credit, training, technology and infrastructure development are essential for the success of entrepreneurs. If proper support is ensured, this awakening of rural entrepreneurs will be the main driving force of Bangladesh's sustainable economy.
The writer is a Vice President, Chandina Press Club
