For most of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Dhaka was the capital of the world's muslin trade. The fabric it produced was so fine that the claim passed down through generations, that a six yard sari could be pulled through a finger ring, has been demonstrated to be true. Historians reached for weightier language: "woven wind," "vapours of dawn."

So, you’ve finally decided to swap your office chair for a mountain trail? Hiking for the first time is exhilarating, but without a plan, it can quickly turn into a survival movie you didn’t audition for.

There is a specific kind of magic found in the crisp, untouched pages of a brand-new passport. Holding those leather-bound pages, it suddenly feels possible to roam anywhere on the map, crossing borders that once existed only in textbooks. For a first-time traveller, that initial spark of excitement is often a peak emotional experience. However, that thrill is frequently shadowed by a persistent cloud of logistical "what-ifs." It turns out that no matter how much pre-planning is done or how many aesthetic mood boards are curated on Pinterest, there is a significant gap between the digital dream of a trip and the practical reality of executing an international tour. Bridging that gap requires moving past the glossy photos and into the grit of global navigation.

I remember a specific Saturday morning not too long ago. I woke up feeling completely drained, the kind of tired that a normal night's sleep just couldn't fix. My first instinct was to grab my phone and look for a getaway, somewhere far, somewhere different. But then I looked at the sheer effort involved: the packing, the long drive, the stress of navigating a new place, and the inevitable exhaustion of coming back. The idea of going somewhere far left long before I could get excited about it. I realised I didn't actually want to go anywhere; I just wanted to be on vacation.

From the Alpine-style streets of Ifrane to the windswept calm of Essaouira, Morocco is a land of "braided stories" where Arab and Amazigh cultures meet. Discover the hidden wonders of North Africa through the eyes of a traveler who finds that the true gift of the road is not the destination, but the transformative experience of the walk itself.

Midland Bank is bridging the gap for young and modern entrepreneurs with a focus on digital agility and social responsibility.

From specialised “women-only” loan products to entrepreneurship training in collaboration with Bangladesh Bank, DBBL is leveraging its vast network to drive financial inclusion and create nationwide employment opportunities.

Mohd. Rafat Ullah Khan, Managing Director & CEO of Al-Arafah Islami Bank PLC, outlines the bank’s dedicated approach to nurturing Bangladesh’s burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit.

As Bangladesh marks UN MSME Day 2026, the nation stands at a transformative crossroads.

As Bangladesh’s CMSME sector continues to evolve, financial institutions are playing a crucial role in supporting sustainable enterprises.

From AI-driven lending to specialised support for women and youth, City Bank is dismantling traditional barriers to ensure that inclusive, data-driven finance reaches every corner of the country.

On MSME Day 2026, the focus is on a new generation of tech-savvy entrepreneurs.

With CMSMEs accounting for a staggering 99.92% of Bangladesh’s economic units, Shahjalal Islami Bank (SJIB) PLC is redefining its role as a catalyst for grassroots growth.

Islami Bank Bangladesh PLC is redefining MSME support by transitioning into a long-term development partner for the nation’s “Future Generation” of entrepreneurs.

Every year, MSME Day reminds us that micro, small and medium enterprises are the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy.

Aligning with the “Future Generation” theme of MSME Day 2026, Pubali Bank PLC is redefining its support for young and women-led enterprises.

Prime Bank is spearheading a digital shift in MSME banking by moving away from traditional collateral to data-driven, cash-flow assessments.

Md. Mostaque Ahmed, Deputy Managing Director and CEMO of Dhaka Bank PLC, highlights how the bank is empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

With CMSMEs contributing 25% of Bangladesh’s GDP and employing 80% of the workforce, NCC Bank PLC is focused on transforming this vital sector into a digital-first, globally connected powerhouse.

BRAC Bank has transformed Bangladesh’s CMSME landscape by disbursing BDT 2 lakh crore to over 20 lakh entrepreneurs.