Thakurgaon: Minister for Commerce, Industry, and Textiles and Jute Khandaker Abdul Muktadir has highlighted the current government’s commitment to equipping the next generation with technical skills as a crucial vision. He emphasized this during a visit to the under-construction ‘BSCIC Food Processing Industrial City’ in Thakurgaon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister was accompanied by Secretary of the Ministry of Industries Obaidur Rahman and Chairman of Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Saiful Islam during the visit. Senior government officials, Project Director Hafizur Rahman, BSCIC officials, and local industrial entrepreneurs were also present. The minister underlined the government’s efforts to boost the country’s economic development through agro-based industrialization and expressed confidence in the project’s role in enhancing agro-based industries in the northern region.
The minister noted Thakurgaon’s reputation in cheese and tea exports, highlighting its rich production of various agricultural products. He urged entrepreneurs and businessmen to establish industries in the BSCIC for food processing. Following the inspection, the minister reviewed the ongoing project development and expressed satisfaction with the progress. He instructed officials to expedite the completion while ensuring quality.
The construction of BSCIC Food Processing Industrial City began in July 2021 and is expected to be completed by June 2026. The project spans 50 acres in Akcha Mouza of Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, aiming to develop an industrial city with modern, environmentally friendly, and compliant facilities. It will feature 251 industrial plots for approximately 230 industrial units, potentially creating employment for about 25,000 people.
The project promises to enhance the local agro-based food processing industry, including dairy, vegetables, fruits, tea, and agricultural crops, injecting new momentum into the northern region’s agro-based economy. It is expected to aid in preserving, processing, and marketing farmers’ products while creating new local investment and employment opportunities. During his visit, the minister engaged with local industrial entrepreneurs to understand their challenges, possibilities, and expectations.