Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Saturday that his government is working on plans for a startup fund worth Tk 500 crore to support young entrepreneurs and talented people, and that the size of the fund could be increased if needed.

He was speaking at the Youth Volunteer Award 2026 and Grant Distribution ceremony organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports at Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister's Office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

"Your goal should be Bangladesh first and Bangladesh for all. Young people must come forward to build such a Bangladesh," he said. He said national interests should be placed first so that the welfare of every citizen is protected.

The prime minister said many young people across the country volunteer and stand by those in need alongside their studies and jobs, and described their work as important for the nation. He urged them to use their energy, courage, talent and initiative for national development and public welfare.

Citing the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising, he said older people may have offered wisdom, ideas and advice, but young people played a decisive role on the ground.

He said the government is working to carry out the pledges it made before the election, adding that those commitments are now not only the government's but also the people's expectations.

At the ceremony, Tarique Rahman handed the Youth Volunteer Award 2026 to 15 young volunteers and representatives of youth organisations. Each received a Tk 1 lakh cheque, a crest and a certificate. Another 432 youth organisations received grants of Tk 2 lakh each.

Three award recipients described their voluntary work, and State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque spoke about the government's plans for young people. The prime minister's political adviser Mirza Abbas was present, and youth volunteers from all 64 districts joined the event online.