Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain today said the small efforts of grassroots-level entrepreneurs can place Bangladesh's economy on a strong foundation of self-reliance.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the "Choyonika Women Entrepreneurs Festival 2026" held at Bangladesh Mahila Samiti on Bailey Road in the city.

The event was presided over by Tamanna Rahman, General Secretary of Bangladesh Mahila Samiti, with renowned fashion icon and UNESCO Artist for Peace Bibi Russell present as a special guest.

Minister Zahid Hossain said that in the current global unstable and crisis-ridden situation, being self-reliant is the main strength for a nation's survival. In this context, strengthening the small and medium entrepreneur sector to ensure maximum utilization of local resources is the path to sustainable development.

Noting that women entrepreneurs are a crucial driving force of the country's economy, the minister further said, "women entrepreneurs, by engaging in various sectors such as cottage industries, agriculture-based businesses, fashion, handicrafts, and food processing, are contributing not only to their own families but also to the local economy and employment."