PM directs revival of sick, closed industries to boost employment

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has instructed relevant authorities to take initiatives to revive the country’s sick and closed industrial units, involving private entrepreneurs in the process.

Atikur Rahman Ruman, additional press secretary to Prime Minister, confirmed the development on Tuesday (February 25), stating that the concerned ministries have been directed to facilitate the reopening of dormant industries.

Details regarding private sector participation, ownership structures, or partnership models are yet to be finalised, he said.

Reviving sick and closed industrial units is one of the election pledges of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). The Prime Minister’s directive specifically emphasises reopening jute mills and sugar factories, maintaining existing workers while creating new employment opportunities.

According to data presented in parliament in June 2024 during the previous Awami League government, there were 397 closed industrial units under the Ministry of Industries at that time—382 under Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), five under Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), six sugar mills under Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC), and four factories under Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC).

Although the number of inactive industries has reportedly increased over the past two years, the government has not yet released updated statistics.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said the Prime Minister’s directive aims to generate employment, and a committee led by the Ministry of Industries has already begun work on the initiative.