The government has planned to establish a new industrial park on approximately 400 acres of land in Bogura, keeping in view the growing demand of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Minister for Commerce, Industries and Textiles Khandakar Abdul Muktadir announced on Saturday that initiatives will be taken to commence the development and preliminary works of the proposed park during the current winter season.
The minister made this announcement as the chief guest at the installation ceremony of the newly elected Board of Directors of the Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He highlighted that Bogura holds immense potential to develop into an important hub for industrial and economic growth, particularly as a vital centre for the light engineering industry in the coming days.
He added that the government is actively working to build the necessary infrastructure and supportive environment to harness this potential.
Pointing out that the existing BSCIC Industrial Estate in Bogura is already fully occupied, Muktadir said there is a significant demand among SME entrepreneurs to set up new factories. To address this demand, the plan for a new BSCIC industrial park covering roughly 400 acres has been initiated, with efforts underway to start preliminary activities this winter.
To enhance the competitiveness of industries, the minister stressed the need to increase productivity and reduce the cost of finance. He remarked that running a business successfully with high-interest loans is highly challenging.
To lower production costs and make products competitive, efficiency and productivity must be improved alongside lowering the cost of borrowing. He assured that the government is working to ensure easy access to fuel and electricity, ease gas connections, and create low-cost financing opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The minister emphasised that the government’s role in the proposed industrial park would not end with merely constructing infrastructure. The facility will provide technical training, skilled human resource development, and essential information and technical support for setting up industries to ensure the long-term sustainability of new enterprises.
He further revealed that entrepreneurs establishing industrial projects in the park will be eligible for relatively low-interest loans under the government’s Credit Wholesaling Scheme. Alongside industrialisation, emphasis will also be placed on creating skilled human resources and enhancing the capacity of entrepreneurs.
Earlier, commerce minister visited the proposed industrial park site at Fapore Union in Bogura Sadar Upazila.
The installation ceremony was inaugurated by Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Shaikh Rabiul Alam. State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam attended as a special guest.
Also present at the event were Bogura-6 Member of Parliament (MP) Md Rezaul Karim Badsha, Bogura-5 MP Golam Mohammad Siraj, Bogura-4 MP Md Mosharrf Hossain, Bogura-7 MP Morshed Milton, Bogura-3 MP Md Abdul Mohit Talukder, Bogura Deputy Commissioner Md Toufikur Rahman, and Bogura Superintendent of Police Mirza Sayem Mahmud.
President of the Bogura Chamber of Commerce and Industry MSM Atiqur Rahman delivered the welcome address at the event. The newly elected members of the Board of Directors were introduced, and discussions were held regarding their responsibilities, future work plans, and expanding services to the business community.
Speakers at the event stressed the importance of making the chamber’s activities more dynamic, transparent, and business-friendly, while the new board expressed their commitment to safeguarding traders’ interests, developing relevant sectors, and enhancing service standards.
Bogura Chamber leaders, business representatives, government officials, and other stakeholders also attended the function.
