Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar (BSMSN) alone will generate direct employment opportunities for a staggering 1.4 million individuals
Twenty-one additional factories in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar (BSMSN) are poised for commercial production starting this November. Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary, M Tofazzel Hossain Miah, asserted the achievement of an exceptional investment climate within this burgeoning industrial city. Essential amenities like gas, electricity, and water have been meticulously arranged to facilitate industrial investments. Notably, five companies have already initiated production, heralding a promising future.
In a momentous revelation, he disclosed that the industrial city has garnered an impressive $19 billion in investment proposals. Tofazzel Hossain Miah underscored that the majority, a staggering 80 per cent, of these investors hail from foreign shores, signifying the city’s global appeal.
The meeting held these discussions on Wednesday in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) Chairman Yusuf Harun, Chattogram’s Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Tofail Islam, Range DIG Noor-E Alam Mina, Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammed Fakhruzzaman, and District Police Superintendent AKM Shafiullah, collectively reaffirming their commitment to the inclusive and sustainable growth of the region.
Challenges faced on the path to progress
The path to this milestone was fraught with adversity. The COVID-19 pandemic halted progress for three challenging years, compounded by interruptions caused by natural disasters. In response to these setbacks, Tofazzel Hossain Miah acknowledged that adjustments to the project’s timeline may be necessary to ensure its successful completion.
In a bold move aimed at fostering progress, he revealed the cancellation of land allocations for a prominent project that failed to commence work as scheduled. This land will soon be re-appropriated, offering a fresh opportunity to new investors who are eager to establish their own factories. It’s a decisive step to keep the momentum of growth uninterrupted.
Moreover, Tofazzel Hossain Miah expressed the government’s deep commitment to the welfare of families affected by the construction of the industrial zone. Housing and employment opportunities are being actively pursued to mitigate the impact on these communities, reinforcing the government’s dedication to inclusive development. As these factories prepare to fire up their machinery, the climax of progress is on the horizon. This plan shines as promising a brighter future for BSMSN and its inhabitants.
Furthermore, Tofazzel Hossain Miah emphasized that comprehensive security measures are being undertaken by the police to safeguard the well-being of both local residents and the industrial city’s populace. As part of these efforts, plans are in motion for the establishment of a new police station, ensuring the safety and tranquility of the region.
1.4 million employment oasis takes center stage
In a development of great significance, the matter pertaining to the jetty is currently under active consideration. The meeting, which transpired in the presence of Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) Chairman Yusuf Harun and other senior officials, served as a platform for Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Miah to unveil a pivotal revelation. He asserted that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar (BSMSN) alone will generate direct employment opportunities for a staggering 1.4 million individuals.
With unwavering conviction, he underscored the transformative potential of BSMSN, heralding a revolutionary metamorphosis in the socio-economic landscape of Chattogram and the entire nation of Bangladesh. These profound words were delivered during a press interaction following a productive meeting with government agencies and private sector entrepreneurs within the boundaries of BSMSN.
BSMSN, sprawling across a vast expanse of 3,400 acres in Mirsharai, Sitakunda of Chattogram, and Sonagazi Upazilas of Feni district, is rapidly taking shape. Currently, five companies have already commenced production, and the anticipation mounts for three more to join their ranks in the near future.
Tofazzel Hossain Miah, after his inspection of the burgeoning industrial city, further asserted that the development is an ongoing process. Gradually, more factories will emerge, paving the way for the creation of approximately 1.4 million job opportunities once the project reaches its zenith.
The principal secretary’s vision extends beyond mere infrastructure and industry; it encompasses the essential need to fortify security in the region. He emphasized the necessity of increased police presence to protect the security of residents, industrial assets, and investors while maintaining law and order. A dedicated police station is in the pipeline to fulfil this critical objective.
A catalyst for economic renaissance and transformation
In a testament to its global appeal, Tofazzel Hossain Miah shared that approximately 152 companies, representing both domestic and international interests, have already invested in this burgeoning industrial city. As BSMSN continues its meteoric rise, it promises to be a beacon of economic growth, employment, and transformation in the heart of Bangladesh.
Tofazzel Hossain Miah revealed that 139 families once called this land home, only to experience the disruptions brought about by industrialization. He announced the government’s commitment to providing housing and employment opportunities to these affected families, recognizing their resilience in the face of change.
Elaborating on the government’s vision, Tofazzel Hossain Miah articulated a harmonious blend of development and environmental protection. He assured that all developmental endeavors within the region would be executed with utmost consideration for preserving the environment. As a testament to this commitment, a Central Effluent Treatment Plan (CETP) is in the works, underscoring the government’s resolve to manage environmental concerns effectively. Tofazzel Hossain Miah emphasized that industries equipped with their own Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) must adhere to international standards, while those without such facilities would rely on the CETP, ensuring that environmental sustainability remains at the forefront of the development agenda.
