At least nine burglary incidents at BSCIC industrial estate in Gomra, Moulvibazar have risen alarm among entrepreneurs.
Despite alarming frequency of thefts, both administration and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation authorities remain silent leaving entrepreneurs deeply anxious.
Moulvibazar Superintendent of Police MKH Jahangir Hossain, however, said police are working to catch the culprits behind the thefts and snatchings and will bring them under the law soon.
Factory owners say the estate has no security, no monitoring and no sense of responsibility from the authorities. As a result, thieves enter the estate by scaling boundary walls under the cover of darkness and making off with valuable machinery.
Superintendent of Police in Moulvibazar, MKH Jahangir Hossain, said police are working to catch the culprits behind the thefts and snatchings and will bring them under the law soon.
The severity of insecurity became clear at Bounty Food and Beverage Limited, which was burgled twice in two days.
On early 15 November, thieves cut the window grills and took away essential machinery. After repairs were made, the factory was targeted again the very next night on 16 November. The burglars broke open the locked gate and stole packaging machines for pickle production and several other costly pieces of equipment.
Factory owner Boksi Mishbaur Rahman, along with his brother Boksi Alaor Rahman expressed frustration due to lack of actions from the authorities.
“There was a burglary last year too. We informed the administration, but no action was taken. That is why this is happening again. Running a business in BSCIC means living in fear every single day.”
Another factory in the same plot owned by Boksi, BD Co Edible Oil, was also looted.
“They broke down the iron doors and took parts from our oil-pressing machine along with other goods. We have informed the administration, but all we hear is the investigation is ongoing. Nothing is progressing.”
A visit to the BSCIC industrial estate revealed that internal security has collapsed.
There are no security guards, no CCTV cameras, broken roads and drains, and piles of garbage scattered across the estate. At night, anyone can enter without restriction.
Shamim Akter Mintu, an entrepreneur at the facility, expressed concerns. “We have invested crores here, yet there is no system of security. We filed complaints with the police and BSCIC, but nothing has happened.”
BSCIC officials have cited a lack of CCTV and security staff. Masud Hossain, a security officer at the estate, said:
“We have received information about thefts in three factories. We do not have our own security guards or CCTV cameras. Discussions are underway to increase police patrols.”
Entrepreneurs allege that BSCIC collects lakhs of taka in rent and fees every year but has not taken even minimal steps to ensure security.
Police say the investigation is in progress. Officer-in-charge of Moulvibazar Sadar Model Police Station, Gazi Mahbubur Rahman, said, “We are investigating the incidents. As the area is designated, police cannot always enter freely. However, patrols will be increased.”
The BSCIC industrial estate was established in 1998 on 15 acres of land in Gomra. Of the 101 plots, 99 are allocable, and 37 factories are currently operating. For years, mismanagement, insecurity and thief gangs have disrupted the business environment.
Entrepreneurs demand urgent action
“Security, CCTV coverage, regular patrols and infrastructure repair must be ensured immediately. Otherwise, the industrial estate will not survive.”
