Home ›› 26 Apr 2023 ›› Nation
Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) has failed to keep their promise of building an industrial area in Mymensingh’s Muktagacha upazila even though over three decades have passed.
In 1991, BSCIC acquired five acres of land along the Mymensingh-Tangail highway in Satashia area of Muktagachha. A compensation of Tk 13.38 lakh was paid for the lands. Afterwards, Tk 27 lakh more was spent on landfilling.
However, no initiative has been taken to institutionalise the area and turn it into an industrial estate even though the gov-ernment has spent a significant amount of money.
The residents of the district are indignant as the promised industrial estate can play a major role in their economic growth. A dedicated industrial estate will not only boost trade but also create thousands of employment opportunities.
The large vacant lot has been lying there for years. Due to non-implementation after a long time, the local people are now cultivating bananas in the designated area of the industrial estate. A part of the land is being used as cow grazing land by the locals.
Locals allege that during the night illegal activities involving drugs and gambling go on in some parts of the area. Land gab-bers are gradually taking over the area.
Currently, it is uncertain when or if ever it will be institutionalised even though there are all kinds of facilities to build a basic industrial estate in this area.
The designated area has all kinds of facilities including uninterrupted gas and electricity supply. It also has road communica-tion to both Dhaka and the northern region. Besides, Muktagacha upazila is a relatively high area free from floods.
Despite the favourable environment, 32 long years have passed since the acquisition of the land, but the necessary initia-tives have not been taken to implement an industrial area.
Naturally, the overall development of the region has fallen behind. Besides, the local businessmen are also deprived of all kinds of benefits of BSCIC.
Abdur Rahman, a local, said, “I have heard that there will be an industrial establishment in this place since I was a young boy, but never seen any initiatives taken for that. Many locals keep using the land for their personal purpose.”
Rafiz Mia, a businessman in Satashia area, said that even after the acquisition of land, the businessmen of this area are suf-fering because the BSCIC industrial estate has not been developed. “We are disappointed at the mismanagement. I want it to be implemented quickly,” he added.
Muktagachha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Lutfar Rahman said the boundary wall had already been constructed.
“I have recently been appointed here, but I am looking into it. I will speak to the higher authorities on the implementation of the BSCIC industrial estate. I hope the work will begin soon,” he added.
Deputy General Manager of Mymensingh BSCIC Md Abdus Salam said, “We have sent a budget proposal for the construc-tion of roads, drains, culverts and two gates. The work will begin soon if it is approved.”
He added that there would be 38 plots. BSCIC has already started collecting applications from traders who are willing to receive plots.
