Industries adviser pledges policy support for agriculture and automobile sectors

Adilur Rahman Khan, adviser to the Ministry of Industries, has said the ministry will provide comprehensive policy support to boost the agriculture and automobile sectors.

He gave the assurance while addressing the opening ceremony of the two-day Road to Made in Bangladesh and Agro Machinery Fair 2025 in Dhaka on Saturday (September 20) as chief guest.

The fair features 26 stalls from the automobile, agricultural machinery and light engineering sectors, along with 12 stalls from supporting industries. The inauguration was conducted by the industry adviser.

“These sectors — agriculture, automobile and light engineering — are vital for the economy. The government is already providing various policy and infrastructural support. This exhibition will build confidence among new investors, and the ministry will extend further support to advance these industries,” Adilur Rahman said.

Economist Masrur Riaz said, “The free market economy began in 1978–79. Now we must focus on domestic production. Since June 2022, volatility in the dollar market began and import restrictions were imposed. Currently, cars have to be imported, which creates pressure. Therefore, government policy support is necessary to develop a domestic automobile industry.”

Anwarul Alam Chowdhury, president of Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI), said, “This event was organised to promote the automobile and agricultural industries. The light engineering sector is also moving forward. Although we are not yet fully prepared for a sustainable economy, we must gradually take that preparation.”

He added, “Garments, agriculture and remittances are the three sectors keeping the economy afloat. At present, 83 percent of export earnings come from the garment sector.”

The BCI president further noted that reforms have been introduced in the banking sector, remittance inflows remain positive every month, and money laundering has declined. “These changes will have a positive impact on the country’s economy,” he said.