Rajshahi: A high-level delegation from Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation (BTMC) visited the newly launched factories at Barendra Rajshahi Textile Mills Limited to observe the activities firsthand.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, PRAN-RFL Group, one of the country’s leading business conglomerates, re-launched the state-owned Rajshahi Textile Mills (RTM) as ‘Barendra Rajshahi Textile Limited’ after about 25 years of closure under a public-private partnership (PPP) with BTMC earlier this year.
Led by PPP Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Rafiqul Islam, the delegation included BTMC Chairman Brig Gen SM Zahid Hassan and BTMC’s PPP Project Director Kazi Firoj Hassan. They also participated in a workshop hosted by BTMC for investors.
Barendra Rajshahi Textile Mills Limited Chairman Shahidul Islam and Executive Director of Multiline Industries Limited Anisur Rahman were present during the visit. Shahidul Islam expressed their ambition to transform the factory, situated on approximately 26 acres in the Nawdapara area of the city, into the largest environment-friendly industrial enterprise in the country’s northwest region.
The factory aims to be 100 percent export-oriented, manufacturing various bags, shoes, and ready-made garments. Plans are also underway to establish a modern call center. A Taka 350-crore investment plan has been devised to employ around 12,000 people within two years.
Islam emphasized the need to depart from the Dhaka-centric perspective to promote the overall development of the country. He stated that this large industrial project in Rajshahi would provide employment opportunities for thousands of locals, benefiting the regional economy.
The factory will be developed as a fully sustainable green industrial park, incorporating solar energy, green zones, and water recycling systems. Anisur Rahman mentioned that an abandoned factory shed has been renovated, and small-scale production of shoes and bags has started, currently employing around 1,000 local people.
Additionally, the recruitment process for another 1,000 individuals is underway, and a ‘Skill Development Centre’ will soon be established to enhance the skills of local workers.
The investment aims to reduce the migration trend towards the capital by utilizing the labor market of Rajshahi. Rahman expressed optimism that if the project succeeds, larger investments and expansions in the region could follow.
Currently, PRAN-RFL Group operates two factories in Rajshahi – Barendra Industrial Park and PRAN Agro Limited – which employ about 1,200 people.