Jatiya Sangsad Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury has laid emphasis on giving loans, financial help, and incentives to women entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

“Women are a major portion of small and medium entrepreneurs in the country. If they are taken ahead by providing loans, financial assistance, and incentives, the SMEs will surpass the ready-made garment sector,” she said.

Shirin Sharmin was speaking as the chief guest at the National Aparajita Convention jointly organised by Khan Foundation, Democracywatch, PRIP Trust, and Rupantar at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka on Saturday.

Speaking as a special guest, former minister and incumbent MP Asaduzzaman Noor said women have taken positions at different levels due to their struggle and merits, but still, they are neglected in many fields.

Members of parliament Amatul Kibria Keya Chowdhury, Aroma Dutta, Nasima Zaman Boby, and Switzerland Ambassador to Bangladesh Reto Renggli spoke among others.