Desk Report:
Commerce, Industry and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said that the government is moving forward with implementing a coordinated and timely action plan to revive the country’s industrial sector, stabilize the market and ensure safe supply of essential goods. He said that increasing production and employment by reopening sick and closed industries is one of the government’s priorities.
He said these things at a briefing to journalists after the fourth session of the second day of the District Commissioners (DC) Conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Monday (May 4, 2026). Earlier, an important session of the District Commissioners was held with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Textiles and Jute.
The minister said that the process of transferring about 50 closed and sick mills of the textile and jute sector to the private sector in phases is underway. “This initiative will attract new investments, increase production and create massive employment opportunities,” he said, adding that work is underway to complete this process within the next one year.
Regarding the proposals of the District Administrators, he said, “The DCs have made effective and practical proposals such as industrial revival, establishment of new industrial zones, reopening of closed sugar mills and increasing export potential by setting up distilleries, highlighting the realities of their respective districts. The government will consider these proposals seriously.”
Stressing on structural changes in market management, the Commerce Minister said that the government has planned to introduce a modern, technology-based (AI-based) supply chain monitoring system to reduce the price gap from the producer to the retail stage. “Through this system, it will be possible to closely monitor each step—import, storage, wholesale and retail—which will ensure transparency and accountability in the market,” he added.
He also said that a ‘strategic reserve’ is being created for import-dependent products to deal with instability in the international market. As a result, even if global supply is disrupted, there will be no shortage of products in the domestic market and it will be possible to keep prices stable.
Referring to the activities of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), the minister said that a strong advisory council will be formed, which will include experienced experts from the government and private sectors. “Through this, TCB’s market intervention will be more effective, timely and target-oriented,” he said.
Highlighting the special action plan to preserve raw hides on the occasion of the upcoming Eid al-Adha, he said, “In order to ensure that not a single hide is wasted, training will be provided to mosques and madrasas through the district and upazila administrations. Officially, salt will be supplied, awareness leaflets will be distributed and campaigns will be conducted in the media.”
In addition, he also said that local preservation will be ensured by controlling the transport of hides for the next seven days of the Eid al-Adha.
Emphasizing the more active role of the district administrators in keeping the market stable, the minister said, “The administration and the elected government will work together to keep the supply system running and protect the interests of consumers—this is our commitment.”
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam, Industries Secretary, Commerce Secretary and Textiles and Jute Secretary were present at the briefing.
