Zulekha epitomizes women entrepreneurship in Mymensingh
DHAKA, June 01, 2026 (BSS) - Increasing of women entrepreneurs in Bangladesh is driven by women’s craving for self-reliance and schemes being facilitated by both public and private sectors. The country’s women are now bracing the challenges both at the domestic and international levels to become self-employed thus contributing to the national economy.
The expansion of technology, easy access to social media and the growth of online-based commerce are rapidly increasing the number of women entrepreneurs in Mymensingh, where many women are becoming financially independent through online businesses while balancing household responsibilities.
One such entrepreneur is Zulekha Khatun Soma of Gafargaon upazila in Mymensingh district, who has not only achieved success herself but has also become a source of inspiration for many women.
Recently, during an informal gathering in Mymensingh city, she shared her entrepreneurial journey.
Soma said she started her online and offline combined business named “NSP House,” from her home four years ago with an initial capital of only Taka 33,000.
Initially, she sold three-piece outfits, sarees and cosmetics on a limited scale. Her business has now expanded to different districts across the country, while products are also being shipped abroad through courier services.
Replying to a question, she said, “Currently, my business sells products worth Taka 250,000 to Taka 300,000 every month. The business now holds capital and products worth around Taka 1.6 million to Taka 1.7 million.”
Alongside being an entrepreneur, Zulekha Khatun Soma is also serving as a lecturer in the Economics Department of Altaf Golandaz Degree College in Gafargaon. By successfully balancing family responsibilities, her profession and business, she has set an example of success.
Speaking about her journey, Soma said, “Initially, many people said business is difficult for women. But I believed that with determination and proper planning, women can also succeed. Now many women are inspired by my business, and that is my greatest achievement.”
She said building customer trust remains the biggest challenge in online business. She has quality products and reliable services.
Sources said the number of women entrepreneurs in Mymensingh has increased significantly over the past few years. Facebook-based online businesses, in particular, have created new employment opportunities for women. From the district town to upazila levels, many women are emerging as entrepreneurs while working from home, with Zulekha Khatun Soma being one of the most notable examples.
According to the Mymensingh office of the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), women’s participation among registered small and cottage industry entrepreneurs in the district has been steadily increasing. Women are showing the greatest interest in online business, food processing, boutique businesses, handicrafts and cosmetics.
Officials said government training programmes, small loan facilities and increased access to digital platforms have made women far more confident than before.
Another woman entrepreneur from Mymensingh, Nusrat Jahan, said, “Earlier, women used to wait for jobs. Now many are thinking about starting something of their own. Facebook and online marketplaces have opened new doors for us.”
Student Maksuratul Ferdousi Rumki of Altaf Golandaz Degree College said, “Soma Madam is an inspiration for young women like us. Encouraged by her, I have also started a small online business. Now I can bear part of my educational expenses myself.”
Sharing her experiences, Zulekha Khatun Soma said many women entrepreneurs still face challenges such as lack of capital, limited technological skills and family-related obstacles.
However, changing social attitudes and stories of successful entrepreneurs are encouraging newcomers.
Local journalist Shafiul Kadir said, “Zulekha Khatun Soma has not only become self-reliant herself but is also inspiring other women. Women like her are bringing positive changes to society. More local-level support is needed to advance women entrepreneurs.”
Policy-level officials also see women entrepreneurs as an important driving force of the economy.
Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs in the Mymensingh region, Naznin Sultana, told that women are now not only small entrepreneurs but are also generating employment opportunities.
“The government is working to develop women entrepreneurs through training, digital skill development and easy loan facilities,” she said.
She added that interest in entrepreneurship among rural women is increasing, especially because online-based businesses have reduced time and location-related limitations.
Meanwhile, Zulekha Khatun Soma has already received the “Smart Women Entrepreneur ICT Grant” award. She has also been recognized as the best woman entrepreneur of Mymensingh district by the popular entrepreneurial platform “Nijer Bolar Moto Ekta Golpo.” In addition, she has received honors from various social and business organizations.
Zulekha said, “I feel proud to see my name on the list of smart women entrepreneurs. This recognition has made me more responsible. In the future, I want to work with more women.”
Economic experts believe that easy loan facilities, training, e-commerce management education and secure online transactions are essential to advance women entrepreneurs.
They also said coordinated support from local administrations and financial institutions could create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Mymensingh and across the country.
