"Market of Tradition" Unites 64 Districts in Grand Finale for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025, Attracting Over 50,000 Visitors

Photo Credit: GEN Bangladesh
In a spectacular closing ceremony for Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025, the "Market of Tradition" (ঐতিহ্যের হাট) brought together entrepreneurs from all 64 districts of Bangladesh. The daylong festival, hosted by GEN Bangladesh and Daffodil International University, in association with Brac Bank PLC, attracted over 50,000 visitors, creating what organizers called "the biggest celebration of entrepreneurship" and a powerful showcase of the nation's culture and innovation.
Imran Hossain
Nayem

SAVAR, DHAKA – November 23, 2025 – On the final day of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) 2025, Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Bangladesh, in association with the Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (DIE) at Daffodil International University, and Brac Bank, hosted the country's largest "Market of Tradition" (ঐতিহ্যের হাট) 2025. This national movement, held at Daffodil Smart City, beautifully merged traditional Bangladeshi culture with modern entrepreneurship, serving as a powerful grand finale to the week-long global event.

 

 

The daylong festival was designed to promote, support, and connect entrepreneurs from every corner of Bangladesh, reinforcing this year's global theme, "Together We Build." The event was a massive success, attracting over 50,000 visitors and generating sales of more than 1.5 Million BDT, underscoring the immense potential of local entrepreneurs.

 

 

The initiative strongly aligns with the vision of Dr. Md. Sabur Khan, Chairman, GEN Bangladesh and Founder & Chairman, BoT, Daffodil International University. He has long championed the cause of transforming the country's youth into drivers of economic growth. Reflecting on the event's success, Dr. Khan stated: 

"Our traditions are not relics to be preserved in a museum; they are the very seeds of our future economy. The 'Market of Traditions' embodies our core mission: to nurture a generation of job creators, not job seekers. Here, we empower our young innovators to take the rich, authentic heritage of Bangladesh, infuse it with modern business acumen, and launch it onto the global stage."

Dr. K. M. Hasan Ripon, Managing Director of GEN Bangladesh, expressed his excitement at the event. 

"We are very excited today as the last day of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025," he said. "Daffodil International University is hosting one of the largest and biggest entrepreneurs' fairs. We call it the 'Market of Traditions,' where you can see entrepreneurs from all 64 districts of Bangladesh are here. It's the biggest celebration of entrepreneurship."

 

 

Event Highlights:

  • A National Gathering: Entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators from all 64 districts participated, making it a truly national showcase.
  • Rich Cultural Showcase: The fair featured a vibrant display of heritage crafts, traditional food, and cultural exhibitions that celebrated Bangladesh's rich tapestry.
  • Youth Innovation Hub: A dedicated segment showcased student innovations and creative business ideas, highlighting the next generation of entrepreneurial talent.
  • Daylong Engagement: The festival ran from sunrise to sunset, filled with insightful sessions, live performances, workshops, and networking opportunities.

 


 

Professor Dr. M. R. Kabir, Vice-Chancellor of Daffodil International University, spoke about the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage. He said: 

"The customs and rituals that have been passed down to us from time immemorial, it is now your responsibility to strengthen and enrich those customs and rituals. This kind of tradition is hidden in every district. If we can bring all these hidden talents and hidden traditions to light, then the whole world and this university will be enriched and they will gain momentum."

Md. Kamruzzaman Didar, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, echoed this sentiment, stating:

"This celebration is where we inspire the young minds of Bangladesh to become entrepreneurs by connecting them with their heritage. We want to show our culture, our products, and these young minds to the world."

Dr. K. M. Hasan Ripon concluded with a powerful message of unity. 

"Bangladesh believes 'together we build.' Daffodil International University believes 'together we build.' Here at Daffodil, it's really happening—together we can build a better, prosperous Bangladesh and promote one global entrepreneurship ecosystem."

 

 

The "Market of Tradition" successfully created a unique space where lifelong learning, youth creativity, and national pride converged, reinforcing the GEW 2025 theme of building a stronger, more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape in Bangladesh.


About GEN Bangladesh:
Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Bangladesh is the national chapter of the world's leading organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship. As part of a global network active in over 200 countries, GEN Bangladesh works to create a unified and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through its year-round programs, initiatives, and flagship events like Global Entrepreneurship Week, it connects entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and policymakers. GEN Bangladesh is committed to making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business, thereby driving economic growth, innovation, and social impact across the nation.

About The Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (DIE) at Daffodil International University:
The Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (DIE) at Daffodil International University is a pioneering academic department in Bangladesh, uniquely focused on cultivating the next generation of innovators and business leaders. Moving beyond traditional business education, DIE provides a dynamic, project-based learning environment where students are empowered to transform creative ideas into sustainable ventures. Through a curriculum designed to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical skills, the department serves as a hub for student innovation. By organizing large-scale events like the "Market of Tradition," DIE actively bridges the gap between academia and the real-world market, solidifying its mission to build a nation of job creators.

About Brac Bank:
Brac Bank is one of Bangladesh's leading private commercial banks, renowned for its commitment to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the country's economy. With a vision of being the best-performing bank in the country, Brac Bank offers a full range of banking services to both individual and corporate clients. The bank is particularly noted for its focus on financial inclusion and its dedication to fostering entrepreneurship through specialized loan products, advisory services, and strategic partnerships. By sponsoring events like the "Market of Tradition," Brac Bank reaffirms its dedication to empowering local entrepreneurs and contributing to the sustainable economic development of Bangladesh.

For press inquiries or partnership details, please contact:
+88 01833 102 819 | genbdprogram@gmail.com