In the Narsingdi BSCIC industrial city, an expansion project costing nearly Tk 90 crore was undertaken due to unfavourable conditions in the original BSCIC industrial area.
More than 150 plots were created; however, poor management has hindered industrial development. Business owners attribute the lack of progress to corruption and favouritism under the previous government.
The Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) industrial city was initially established in 1986 on a 15.39-acre plot in Shibpur, Narsingdi. Despite nearly four decades passing, the area remained underdeveloped, prompting the decision to expand the project.
In 2015, 30 acres of land in Syednagar, within the same upazila, were acquired for Tk 88.4 crore to facilitate this expansion. The construction work was completed by June 2022, with the project finalised in October 2023. However, no significant industrial establishments have emerged, with only two sheds and a private residence currently present on the site.
Business owners claim that while essential infrastructure, such as gas and electricity, is available, genuine industrialists and entrepreneurs have been denied access to plots. Instead, allocations were allegedly made to individuals with ties to the former government’s industrial minister and political figures, leaving legitimate business owners sidelined. As a result, the industrial city continues to suffer from a lack of operational industries.
Industry leaders argue that despite the need for industrial expansion, flawed government policies regarding plot allocation have led to the project’s failure. They are calling for a reassessment of the allocations, ensuring that plots are handed over to genuine entrepreneurs, as well as further expansion of the BSCIC to a much larger area.
When questioned about the allocation of over 150 plots in the newly developed section, BSCIC officials were unable to provide an answer even after 15 days, stating that the list of beneficiaries must be obtained from the Ministry.
Narsingdi Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Rashed Hossain Chowdhury stated, “Notices have already been issued to those who have yet to establish industrial facilities. If satisfactory responses are not received, necessary legal measures will be taken, including the cancellation of plots.”
He further added, “If all 263 plots, including 95 in the old BSCIC and 168 in the expanded area, are utilised effectively, it will drive the growth of small and cottage industries in Narsingdi and generate employment for millions.”
Courtesy: UNB
