DHAKA, June 2, 2026, (BSS) - As the whole world has become a global village digital literacy acts as a powerful catalyst for empowering women entrepreneurs to create success stories of self-reliance. 

Women’s participation in Bangladesh’s socio-economic development has become an essential reality, and the rise of Chandpur-based “Bijoyi Nari Unnayan Sangstha” stands as a bright instance of how digital entrepreneurship is transforming the lives of women across the country.

In the age of information technology, the importance of women’s economic participation has become more visible than ever. During the Covid-19 pandemic, when the global economy slowed down, many young people in Bangladesh began exploring ways to earn from home. From that reality emerged a new culture of online entrepreneurship, where women became key drivers of change.

Leading this transformation is Chandpur entrepreneur Tania Ishtiaq Khan, who has demonstrated that with determination and proper guidance, women can change not only their own fate but also society as a whole.

Speaking to this reporter, Tania said, “I used to work in a bank. I had a promising future there. But the path I chose after leaving my banking job was not easy. Through hard work, perseverance and forward-looking attitude, I built a women entrepreneurs’ network called ‘Bijoyi’.”

“At first many people considered it a mere madness, but now everyone supports and encourages the initiative. I want to expand it further in the future,” she added.

Recalling the early days, Tania said “Bijoyi Nari Unnayan Sangstha” started its journey on February 26, 2020, in Puranbazar of Chandpur town. The initiative began on a small scale, but with a much larger goal it aimed to develop women as entrepreneurs and make them economically self-reliant.

The initiative received overall support from Ashik Khan, while Tania Ishtiaq Khan turned the dream into a reality.

“At present, the organization has more than 11,000 members, reflecting its popularity and effectiveness,” she said.

The organization primarily aims to make disadvantaged and frustrated women self-reliant. 

According to Tania, many educated women in society fail to utilize their talent due to a lack of opportunities, and “Bijoyi” is helping them acquire practical skills.

Responding to a question, Tania said women are receiving free hands-on training in various fields, including cake baking, handmade jewelry making, block and boutique work, hand painting and fast-food preparation. They are also being taught how to manage online businesses.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, “Bijoyi” launched its first online-based training programme. At a time when people were confined to their homes, the initiative became a vehicle of hope for many women. From home, they learned new skills, made products and earned money by selling those through online platforms.

After the pandemic, the organization also introduced offline training programmes, which further enhanced women’s skills.

“Bijoyi” did not confine its programmes to  training alone. It also created an online marketplace for women entrepreneurs to market their products directly to customers. Through a Facebook group titled “Bijoyi Nari Uddyokta Toirir Protishthan,” around 11,500 members are now engaged in buying and selling products. The platform has created a safe and supportive business environment for women.

Tania believes that building a developed and prosperous Bangladesh is impossible without women’s empowerment.

“If women are not skilled in information technology, they will fall behind. So we not only teach them how to make products, but also how to sell those products online,” she said.

This approach has distinguished “Bijoyi” from many other organizations.

The organization is also working to provide financial support for women entrepreneurs. Many women wish to start businesses but fail due to lack of capital. “Bijoyi” is helping them access to low-interest bank loans.

In addition, trained entrepreneurs are recognized through the “Bijoyi Award,” which plays an important role in boosting their confidence.

To create opportunities beyond online platforms, “Bijoyi” also organizes the “Bijoyi Fair,” where entrepreneurs receive stalls free of cost to display and sell their products. The fair allows women entrepreneurs to interact directly with customers and gain practical market experience.

Tania said the organization also stands beside underprivileged children and distressed people through various social activities, aiming not only to achieve  economic development but also to build a humane society.

Tania Ishtiaq Khan’s future plans are even broader. 

She said she wants the initiative to spread beyond Chandpur and expand across the country.

“My goal is to create women entrepreneurs in every district and upazila and build a strong national network,” she said.

Tania believes that if women can properly utilize their skills, they will not only become self-reliant but also create employment opportunities for others.

She said the current government’s initiative to build a prosperous and developed Bangladesh has made such activities easier. Easy internet access and the expansion of online platforms have opened new horizons for women. “Bijoyi” is availing those opportunities to equip women with the tools for a technology-driven future.

Carrying the slogan, “We are neither goddesses nor ordinary women. We are women, we can do it, we are victorious,” the organization is moving toward a bright future. It is not merely an organization, but a movement for women’s dignity, self-reliance and empowerment.