Desk Report:
Industries, Commerce, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has said that the government is determined to reopen the country’s closed state-owned sugar mills. However, in this process, decisions will be made with utmost importance to the long-term profitable operation of the sugarcane farmers, workers and the organization.
He said these things while speaking as the chief guest at a view-exchange meeting with sugarcane farmers organized at the Panchagarh Sugar Mills Limited factory premises on Saturday (May 9).
The minister said, “These mills are the wealth of the people of Bangladesh. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure their honest and effective use. We want the closed industries to return to production, create employment and bring new momentum to the local economy.”
He said that currently, several sugar mills in the country are closed and many of the operating mills are also being operated under various restrictions. Most of the mills are over 50 to 70 years old. As a result, effective revival of many institutions is not possible without modernization, renovation and addition of new technology.
Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said, “Some mills will have to be started by adding new equipment, some require infrastructure renovation, and in some institutions, alternative plans will also have to be considered. However, in all cases, the interests of sugarcane farmers, employment of workers and profitable operation will be ensured.”
He also said that if an industrial factory is operational, employment opportunities are created not only for direct workers, but also for many more people through multi-dimensional economic activities related to it. As a result, reactivating the closed mills is very important for the overall economic activities of the country and poverty reduction.
The minister said, “If employment increases, the flow of money into the hands of the people will increase, the local economy will be active and poverty will be reduced. With that goal in mind, the government is taking forward the work of industrial revival.”
The program was presided over by Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) Chairman Md. Jahangir Alam.
Member of Parliament from Panchagarh-1 constituency Barrister Naushad Zamir, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries Md. Obaidur Rahman spoke as special guests,
The event was attended by BSCIC Chairman Md. Saiful Islam, Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Mosa. Shukria Parveen, District Council Administrator Md. Touhidul Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Farhad Hossain and Panchagarh Sugar Mills Limited Manager Atikuzzaman, along with sugarcane farmers’ representatives, labor leaders and local dignitaries.
It is worth noting that Panchagarh Sugar Mills Limited was established in 1966-69 with a daily threshing capacity of 1,016 metric tons of sugarcane and started final production activities in 1969-70. The company is currently being operated under the Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation.
