Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Aug 26, 2026 (BSS) - A business conference was held here today with a focus on expanding industry and trade, developing new entrepreneurs and strengthening cooperation among businesspeople.

The 'Business Conference-2026' was organized by the Rajshahi Metropolitan and District chapters of the Industrialists and Businessmen Welfare Foundation (IBWF) at the Masjid Mission Academy Auditorium in the Sahebbazar Barakuthi area.

Speakers said Rajshahi has significant potential for industrial and commercial development, but inadequate investment, a shortage of skilled manpower, limited entrepreneur development and market-access challenges remain major obstacles.

They stressed greater coordination among businessmen, along with training and other necessary support for new entrepreneurs, to overcome the challenges.

The conference discussed modern business strategies, entrepreneur development, potential industrial sectors and ways to improve the skills of businesspeople.

Speakers also called for establishing new industries and factories by utilizing Rajshahi's local resources and economic potential.

IBWF central president Mohammad Shahidul Islam attended the conference as chief guest. Central vice-president Anwarul Islam Raju, Rajshahi District chief adviser Professor Abdul Khalek, Rajshahi Metropolitan City adviser Dr Mohammad Jahangir, Rajshahi Zone Director Principal Mahbubul Ahsan Bulbul and Bogura Zone Director Selim Reza were present as special guests.

The conference was chaired by IBWF Rajshahi Metropolitan City president Professor A K M Sarwar Jahan Prince and conducted by Abdul Hannan.

Leaders of the organization's metropolitan and district units, including Rajshahi District president Muhammad Nuruzzaman Liton, as well as businessmen and entrepreneurs from different sectors, attended the event.