PM Directs Initiative to Reopen Sick and Closed Industries

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed the concerned ministries to take initiatives to reopen sick and closed industrial establishments in collaboration with private entrepreneurs, according to Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon .

Speaking on Tuesday, Rumon said, “The Prime Minister has directed the relevant ministries to take steps to reopen sick and closed industrial institutions.” However, he noted that the modalities of private sector involvement, including ownership or partnership structures, are yet to be finalized.

Reopening non-operational industries to generate employment is a key electoral commitment of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The Prime Minister’s directive specifically emphasizes reopening closed jute and sugar mills while retaining former workers and creating new employment opportunities.

According to information presented in Parliament in June 2024 during the previous Awami League government, there were 397 closed industrial entities under the Ministry of Industries. Among them were 382 under the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), five under the Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), six sugar mills under the Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC), and four factories under the Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC).

The number is believed to have increased over the past two years, although no updated government statistics have been published.

Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Ashik Chowdhury, said, “The Prime Minister has instructed to create new employment opportunities and to take initiatives to reopen closed and sick industries. A committee led by the Ministry of Industries has started working on the matter.”