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Bangladesh Bank’s UDYOG programme has received 18,444 applications from eight districts during its initial phase, as the central bank prepares to expand the initiative to all upazilas in the remaining 56 districts from November 1.

The programme aims to identify promising young entrepreneurs at the grassroots level and provide financing to help them establish businesses, create jobs and develop innovative ventures.

According to preliminary data released by Bangladesh Bank on Saturday, applications were accepted from September 16 to October 15 across all upazilas in Manikganj, Feni, Naogaon, Jhenaidah, Bhola, Habiganj, Rangpur and Netrokona, representing the country’s eight divisions.

Netrokona recorded the highest number of applications at 5,351, followed by Rangpur with 2,745 and Naogaon with 2,456.

Jhenaidah received 2,191 applications, while Habiganj and Bhola recorded 1,552 and 1,545, respectively. Manikganj received 1,343 applications, and Feni recorded the lowest number among the eight districts at 1,261.

In the next phase, Bangladesh Bank will open applications across all upazilas in the remaining 56 districts from November 1 to November 30, 2026.

The expansion is expected to widen access to financing for aspiring young entrepreneurs across the country, supporting grassroots business development and employment generation.