PM orders public-private partnerships to relaunch weak, closed industries

The private partnership or ownership model remains undecided

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has ordered ministries to take steps to reopen dwindling and closed industries in partnership with private entrepreneurs.

Atiqur Rahman Rumon, the prime minister’s assistant press secretary, confirmed the directive on Tuesday.

The move aligns with the BNP's election pledge to revitalise the industrial sector and create jobs, he said.

Tarique instructed the reopening of closed jute and sugar mills, with an emphasis on reinstating former workers while creating fresh opportunities for the unemployed.

According to the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun, a committee led by the industry ministry has already begun working on the project.

"The prime minister is focused on generating new employment. We are working on the best approach to restart these facilities," he said.

While the government has committed to private-sector involvement, the specific framework for ownership or partnership models is yet to be finalised.

Official data presented in parliament in June 2024 showed 397 closed industrial units under the Ministry of Industries. This included 382 units under BSCIC, five under BCIC, six sugar mills under BSFFIC, and four factories under BSEC.

Sources suggest the number of closed units has increased over the last two years, though an updated official tally has not been released.