Maintenance of BSCIC industrial estates across country to begin this fiscal: Muktadir

The government will begin repairing and maintenance works of infrastructure facilities in Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) industrial estates across the country within the current fiscal year, Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir told parliament today (12 November).

Replying to a supplementary question from ruling party lawmaker from reserved women’s seat-33 Shacot Ara Akter in the Jatiya Sangsad, he said the government had taken up an integrated project to address infrastructure-related problems in BSCIC industrial estates established across the country.

He said many of the industrial estates, established several years ago, suffer from poor internal roads, inadequate drainage, insufficient lighting and a lack of entrance gates.

“Most of the internal roads in these industrial estates are in poor condition. Many roads lack concrete or asphalt surfaces, making it difficult for trucks to enter and increasing the risk of damage to their axles,” he said.

The minister expressed hope that the necessary renovation work in BSCIC industrial estates across the country would begin within the current fiscal year.

He also assured of addressing infrastructure problems at the BSCIC industrial estate in Meherpur.

Muktadir said the government would address the infrastructure problems and take initiatives to encourage entrepreneurs to use the vacant plots.

He said the government would also examine ways to attract prospective entrepreneurs, including reviewing plot prices and considering other possible incentives.

Earlier, responding to another supplementary question, the minister assured the parliament that he would discuss with the home minister about the need to strengthen industrial police activities in industrial areas.

He said law and order and industrial police matters fall under the jurisdiction of the home ministry, while economic zones operate under separate administrative arrangements.