BRAC Bank and Daffodil International University (DIU) jointly organised ‘Oitijjer Haat 2025’, bringing together the heritage, craftsmanship, culture, and cuisine of all 64 districts under one vibrant festival, a press release said.
This year’s theme, “Branding Bangladesh,” highlighted how cultural heritage can fuel youth entrepreneurship. More than 5,000 student entrepreneurs gained hands-on experience in branding, marketing, customer engagement, and commercial operations, transforming theoretical knowledge into real business opportunities.
The daylong event was arranged by DIU’s Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in partnership with BRAC Bank. Held as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025, the event served as a dynamic platform for rural products, handicrafts, regional delicacies, and folk traditions, alongside branding projects and start-up ideas developed by DIU students.
Professor Dr. M. R. Kabir, Vice Chancellor of DIU; Professor Mohammad Masum Iqbal, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Dr. Hamidul Haque Khan, Treasurer of Daffodil International University; and Jakirul Islam, Head of SME Strategy, Innovation & New Business, and Md. Mohsinur Rahman, Head of SME Business Support of BRAC Bank; attended the inaugural ceremony at the university campus on November 23, 2025. The faculty members, industry leaders, young entrepreneurs, and students from across the country attended the unique youth entrepreneurial engagement programme.
Since its inception in 2022, “Oitijjer Haat” has evolved into one of the university’s signature event and is now considered a model for cultural branding and youth-led enterprise development.
This year’s edition engaged an estimated 70,000 students, alumni, entrepreneurs, and visitors, while also providing national visibility for heritage products from every district. The festival created meaningful links between rural artisans and youth-led ventures, offering market access for local craftsmanship and showcasing Bangladesh’s cultural richness to global audiences through digital platforms.
Commenting on the youth-centric engagement programme, Syed Abdul Momen, Additional Managing Director and Head of SME Banking at BRAC Bank, said: “BRAC Bank has long supported the development of SME entrepreneurs. ‘Oitijjer Haat’ is a powerful platform that demonstrates the promise of local enterprise and the creativity of our youth. We will continue to cultivate entrepreneurial dream among the youth, empowering them to become a driving force behind economic growth and prosperity.”
Through this partnership with Daffodil International University, BRAC Bank aims to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and reinforce its vision of nurturing innovation, cultural pride, and inclusive economic growth across Bangladesh.
