Industries Minister Khandker Abdul Muktadir has said that more industrial establishments will be set up across the country to create employment opportunities and reduce unemployment.

He made the remarks on Saturday morning while inspecting the Thakurgaon BSCIC Food Processing Industrial Estate, adding that a large industrial park is being developed in the district to accelerate industrialisation and generate jobs for around 25,000 people.

“Unemployment must be reduced through job creation. With that goal, new factories and investment are being encouraged. A new industrial park is being constructed on around 50 acres of land in Thakurgaon, where 251 plots will be available for industrial use. Entrepreneurs may take two, three or even four plots to establish industries,” the minister said.

He also said initiatives are being taken in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture to develop export-oriented agricultural production in Thakurgaon. Special emphasis will be given to potato-based industries, as although the country produces a large quantity of potatoes, there is a shortage of export-quality varieties. Efforts will be made to develop new exportable potato varieties, he added.

The minister further said that an EPZ is already operating in Thakurgaon, where entrepreneurs are running their businesses. The new BSCIC industrial estate will focus on food processing industries, and several investors have already expressed interest in setting up factories there.

Thakurgaon Deputy Commissioner (DC)  Mohammad Rafiqul Haque, BSCIC industrial estate entrepreneurs, and local BNP leaders were present during the visit.

Later, the minister also inspected various factories at the old BSCIC industrial estate in Thakurgaon before leaving for Panchagarh.