Panchagarh, May 09 (V7N) — Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Industries Minister, has announced initiatives to reopen the country’s closed state-owned sugar mills to boost employment, revenue, and local economic activity.

He made the announcement on Saturday (May 9) afternoon after visiting the closed Panchagarh Sugar Mill under the Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation and holding discussions with sugarcane farmers.

The minister said that out of 15 state-owned sugar mills in the country, six are currently closed. Reopening these mills, he noted, would help create jobs, restore livelihoods of workers, and strengthen the rural economy in surrounding areas.

“If the closed mills are reopened, it will have a positive impact on the local economy and also help in recovering institutional loans,” he said.

He further added that the government is seriously considering reforms, modernization, and alternative management models to ensure that sugar mills operate profitably and reduce wastage of public resources.

The meeting, chaired by Jahangir Alam, was attended by senior officials including Obaidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, Barrister Muhammad Naushad Zamir, and representatives of workers and sugarcane farmers.

At the end of the meeting, farmers, workers, and employees submitted a memorandum to the minister outlining various demands related to wages, production support, and mill operations.

END/SMA/AJ