DHAKA, May 18, 2026, (BSS) - When it comes to women empowerment, Tangail district is gradually becoming an exemplary unit of women’s advancement in regard to financial solvency.  Women entrepreneurs in the district are transforming the entire area’s economic landscape through fusion of traditional industries and modern technology, creating new opportunities in fashion, handloom, food processing, cosmetics, handicrafts and IT-based services.  Women’s participation in Bangladesh’s socio-economic development is increasing steadily. Particularly in entrepreneurship, women are not only changing their own destinies but also reshaping families, society and local economies.  Beyond Dhaka-centric initiatives, many successful women entrepreneurs are emerging at the district level, with Tangail standing out as one of the country’s most promising regions.  Once confined mainly to household responsibilities, women in Tangail are now establishing strong positions in online business, fashion, handloom products, food processing, cosmetics, handicrafts and IT-based services.  Relevant stakeholders said the expansion of internet access, the availability of technology, the rise of social media and support programmes for small entrepreneurs have opened new avenues of opportunity for women, and the trend is continuing to grow.  Blending Tradition with Technology  Tangail is widely known for its handloom industry and traditional sarees. The country’s heritage-rich Tangail saree has already gained international recognition. Discussions surrounding UNESCO cultural heritage recognition for Tangail saree weaving have further highlighted the sector globally.  Many women entrepreneurs in Tangail are building their business identities around this heritage. While the handloom sector was once largely male-dominated, women are now leading not only in saree sales but also in design, marketing and online branding.  Several online-based saree businesses in Tangail town are currently supplying products abroad. Locally operated saree shops and online platforms have created large wholesale and retail markets.  From Facebook live to successful businesses  Entrepreneurs said many women in Tangail started their businesses with very small investments. Some began selling sarees through Facebook live sessions from home, while others launched homemade food or boutique product ventures.  Small online groups and communities of women entrepreneurs have now emerged across different parts of the district, where they support each other through sharing experiences in customer management and digital marketing.  Women’s participation in online businesses increased significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many women who were previously homemakers are now gaining recognition as entrepreneurs.  In areas such as Kalihati, Delduar, Sadar and Mirzapur, many women are selling products worth thousands to hundreds taka monthly from home.  Local products are their biggest strength  Relevant sources said one of the key reasons behind the success of women entrepreneurs is the use of local products. Tangail’s handloom products, Nakshi Kantha, handmade jewellery, honey, pickles, spices and homemade foods are now in demand across the country. Using online platforms, women are directly reaching consumers with these products.  Many local entrepreneurs are also creating their own brands. Some are operating under names such as “Tangail Handloom” and “Heritage Saree,” while others run online pages under their personal names. The availability of digital payment systems and courier services has further accelerated business growth.  Moving forward despite challenges  The journey for women entrepreneurs is still not entirely easy. Family discouragement, lack of capital, social stigma and technological limitations continue to hinder many women. Some still face negative comments suggesting that business is “not women’s work.”  However, women in Tangail are gradually overcoming these barriers. Many entrepreneurs said that although they initially lacked family support, their families later became their greatest strength after witnessing business success.  Many women entrepreneurs are now also creating employment opportunities for other local women. Some are hiring handloom workers, others are teaching sewing, while many are involving women in packaging and delivery services. As a result, the women entrepreneurship movement is no longer limited to personal success; it is becoming an important part of the local economy.  Technology training expanding opportunities  Various government and non-government organisations are providing training and financial support programmes to women entrepreneurs. Many women are now managing their businesses more professionally after receiving training in digital marketing, e-commerce management, photography, content creation and online customer service.  Among them is Samira Zuberi Himika. After completing her postgraduate studies at a private university, she joined UNDP. Later, she worked on projects with BBC World Service and Grameenphone. However, she always wanted to establish something of her own, which eventually led her to create “Team Engine,” an initiative that has already completed various projects at government and private levels.  Many women entrepreneurs are no longer limited to Facebook; they are also operating websites, e-commerce platforms and international online marketplaces. Women entrepreneurs are playing an increasingly important role in expanding the online market for Tangail sarees and handloom products.  Women becoming symbols of inspiration  Successful Bangladeshi women entrepreneurs such as Taslima Miji, Samira Zuberi Himika, Sabila Inun and Ivy Haq Russell are inspiring the younger generation, while local women entrepreneurs in Tangail are also emerging as role models for young women in the district.  Many young women who once waited for jobs are now starting businesses of their own. University students are also working as online entrepreneurs alongside their studies. This is increasing both self-reliance and self-confidence among women.  A new horizon of possibilities  Experts believe that with proper training, easy loan facilities and effective market management, Tangail could become one of the country’s leading centres for women entrepreneurs. Participation of women in handloom, handicrafts and online-based small businesses is expected to increase further in the coming years.   

KHULNA, May 18, 2026 (BSS) - A medicine trader was hacked to death and his wife injured after a gang allegedly entered their house through a tunnel-like hole in Koyra upazila of Khulna district early Monday. The deceased was identified as Bhabatosh Mridha, 37, a resident of the Middle Moheshwaripur area under Moheshwaripur union of the upazila. He was known locally as a medicine businessman and owned a pharmacy at Gilabari Bazar in the same union. According to local sources, the incident took place around 1.30am when a group of miscreants reportedly cut through the mud wall of the house and entered inside. Local Union Parishad member Mizanur Rahman Khokon said Bhabatosh woke up after hearing noises and tried to resist the intruders. At that time, the attackers allegedly hacked him indiscriminately with sharp weapons, leaving him critically injured. His wife was also injured while trying to save him, he added. Locals later rescued the couple and took them to Koyra Upazila Health Complex where the on-duty doctor declared Bhabatosh dead. His wife is currently undergoing treatment there and is said to be out of danger. Officer-in-Charge (Acting) of Koyra Police Station Md Shah Alam confirmed the death and said police were sent to the spot immediately after the incident. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest those involved, he added. Meanwhile, locals said incidents of burglary through cutting mud walls have increased in Koyra over the past few months. They alleged that organised gangs often spray sedative substances inside houses before carrying out thefts, creating panic among residents. They demanded strengthening night security measures and increasing police patrols in the area.