The government has initiated a process to transfer Kushtia Sugar Mill’s 220 acres of land to Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) for establishing a new economic zone, six years after the mill shut down with accumulated losses of approximately Tk606 crore.
The mill, which began production in 1965-66, was nationalised in 1972 and placed under Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSIFIC). It once produced sugar and was a major economic driver for the region. It closed in 2020 due to mismanagement, outdated technology and rising production costs.
On 19 August, BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud bin Harun wrote to the Ministry of Industry and BSIFIC requesting necessary arrangements to transfer the mill’s land and assets.
The letter follows a decision taken at the 10th meeting of the Prime Minister and BEZA Governing Board on 3 August. The proposal is expected to be placed before the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs for final approval.
BEZA has requested details including the mill’s history, total land area, boundary maps, land records, latest audit reports, asset and liability statements, and updates on ongoing legal cases.
Opposition from workers, activists
The mill had 1,139 sanctioned staff positions. Most are now jobless. A limited number of officers and employees continue to handle routine duties.
Rubel, a mill employee, said: “We have been living in uncertainty for years. Now that the land is being transferred, what will happen to us? We demand our arrears and alternative employment.”
Farmers who relied on the mill to sell sugarcane are also affected. Khoybar Chashi said: “We have no guaranteed market for sugarcane anymore. If the mill is gone for good, the government must think about our future too.”
Kushtia Sugar Mill Modernisation and Protection Committee has opposed the economic zone plan.
Sazedul Islam, joint general secretary of the committee, said: “This decision is unacceptable. The mill should be modernised and reopened. It would benefit workers, farmers and the local economy.”
Mixed welcome from business community
Kushtia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, however, has welcomed the move. Director Fuhad Reza Fahim said: “This decision will attract investment and create new jobs.”
Kushtia Deputy Commissioner Tauhid bin Hasan said: “We received a letter. We were not involved much. The process is at the ministry level.”
Kushtia Sugar Mill Managing Director Mashiur Rahman said: “The government will decide. I cannot say anything beyond that.”
The MP for Kushtia-3, Amir Hamza, could not be reached for comment in this regard.
