The government is moving forward with an integrated action plan to revive the country’s industrial sector, maintain market stability and ensure a secure supply of essential goods, Commerce, Industry, and Textiles & Jute Minister Khondkar Abdul Muktadir has said.
Briefing journalists after the deputy commissioners’ conference at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Monday, the minister said reviving sick and closed industries to increase production and employment is among the government’s top priorities.
The minister informed that approximately 50 closed and sick mills in the textiles and jute sector are being transferred to the private sector in phases.
“This initiative will attract new investment, boost production and create widespread employment opportunities,” he said, adding that work is progressing with the target of completing the process within the next year.
Emphasising structural changes in market management, Muktadir said the government plans to introduce an AI-driven supply chain monitoring system to reduce price gaps from producer to retail level.
“This system will enable close monitoring of every stage – import, storage, wholesale and retail – which will ensure transparency and accountability in the market,” he added.
The minister said a “Strategic Reserve” is being built for import-dependent goods to tackle instability in international markets. “Even if global supply is disrupted, there will be no product shortages in the domestic market, and prices can be kept stable,” he noted.
Highlighting a special action plan for preserving raw hides ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, Muktadir said training will be provided to mosque and madrasa officials through district and upazila administrations to ensure not a single hide is wasted.
Salt will be supplied by the government, awareness leaflets distributed, and campaigns run through mass media. Hide transportation will also be controlled for seven days after Eid to ensure local preservation.
Regarding proposals from deputy commissioners, the minister said DCs presented effective and realistic proposals including industrial revival, establishing new industrial zones, reopening closed sugar mills, and increasing export potential by setting up distilleries.
“The government will consider these proposals seriously,” he said.
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam and secretaries of the concerned ministries were present at the briefing.
