Calls for initiative to end deadlock at BSCIC estates in Rajshahi
Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, has called for urgent initiatives to overcome the stagnation at BSCIC-1 and BSCIC-2 estates for the development of the local business community and expansion of employment opportunities. He made the call while addressing a views-exchange meeting held on Sunday, where various problems and possible solutions related to the two BSCIC industrial estates were discussed. The MP said many plots in BSCIC-1 are currently lying idle, while some factory owners have been forced to shut down operations due to various constraints. He also noted that some plot holders have sold their plots after failing to operate industries.
He stressed the need to reactivate abandoned factories and unused plots in line with existing rules. He further expressed concern over the presence of several unauthorized establishments within the BSCIC area and suggested that appropriate measures be taken in this regard. Among those present at the meeting were Liaquat Ali, president of the Silk Industry Owners Association; Hasen Ali, president of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industries; BSCIC Deputy General Manager Rafiqul Islam; Regional Director Jafor Bayezid; Estate Officer Anwarul Azim Setu; and Syed Ahmed Jackie, general secretary of Nasib, along with other officials and stakeholders.
Participants at the meeting said several plot holders have not completed installment payments despite the expiry of deadlines. They also pointed out that a significant number of plots and buildings remain vacant within BSCIC, while modern machinery facilities are available for training purposes. They proposed utilizing the unused facilities to provide skill development training in areas such as food processing, computer design and graphics, tailoring, industrial management, and industrial software, beyond the scope of conventional polytechnic training.
They recommended setting up a dedicated industrial police outpost and limiting access by keeping only four main gates open while closing the remaining gates for improved security. In addition, they called for the construction of protective walls around local ponds within the BSCIC area, as erosion is damaging the pond banks due to a lack of protection. They also urged immediate allocation of funds for renovation of roads in BSCIC-1, which are currently in a dilapidated condition.
The participants further demanded reduction of bank loan interest rates to a single-digit level to support industrial growth. The MP assured the stakeholders that he would take up the issues with the relevant ministries and directed authorities to ensure that no BSCIC land remains unused.
Later, he visited the BSCIC-2 estate in the Kharkhari area of Paba upazila, where he inspected the site and urged faster allocation and sale of plots. He also interacted with local industrialists, several of whom expressed interest in taking plots after his appeal and visited the area for inspection.
