BSS) - Industries, Commerce, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today said the government is firmly committed to reopening the country’s closed state-owned sugar mills, stressing that decisions would be taken prioritising the interests of sugarcane farmers, workers and the long-term commercial viability of the mills.

“We are determined to restart the closed sugar mills. However, in this process, the interests of sugarcane growers, workers and the long-term profitable operation of the institutions will be given utmost importance,” he said.

The minister made the remarks while addressing a view-exchange meeting with sugarcane farmers on the premises of Panchagarh Sugar Mills Limited as the chief guest, said a press release here.

He said the sugar mills are assets of the people of Bangladesh and ensuring their honest and effective utilisation is the government’s responsibility.

“We want the closed industrial units to return to production, create employment opportunities and bring renewed momentum to local economies,” he added.

Muktadir said several sugar mills in the country are currently shut, while many operating mills are functioning under various limitations. “Most of the mills are over 50 to 70 years old, making modernisation, renovation and technological upgrades essential for their effective revival,” he said.

“Some mills will need to be reopened through the installation of new machinery, some require infrastructural renovation, while alternative plans may be considered for others,” he said.

He, however, assured that in every case, the interests of sugarcane farmers, workers’ employment and profitable management would be ensured.

Highlighting the broader economic impact of industrial operations, the minister said a functioning factory generates employment not only for direct workers but also creates opportunities through multidimensional economic activities linked to it.

Therefore, he said, reopening the closed mills is highly important for boosting overall economic activities and reducing poverty.

“Increased employments will enhance cash flow in people’s hands, activate local economies and reduce poverty. With that goal in mind, the government is advancing industrial revitalisation efforts,” he added.

Chairman of Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) Md Jahangir Alam chaired the event.

Panchagarh-1 constituency lawmaker Barrister Muhammad Nowshad Zamir and Industries Ministry Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman spoke as special guests.

Among others, BSCIC Chairman Md Saiful Islam, Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Mst. Shukria Parvin, District Council Administrator Md Towhidul Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police Md Farhad Hossain and Panchagarh Sugar Mills Limited Manager Atikuzzaman attended the event alongside representatives of sugarcane farmers, labour leaders and local dignitaries.

Panchagarh Sugar Mills Limited was established between 1966 and 1969 with a daily sugarcane crushing capacity of 1,016 metric tons and began full-scale production in 1969-70. The mill is currently operated under the Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC).