STAR BUSINESS REPORT

The government wants to increase sugar production by reopening some of the nine state-owned mills that are currently idle, Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said yesterday.

The country has 15 state-owned sugar mills, of which six are currently operating, he told a group of journalists after visiting Panchagarh Sugar Mills Limited, where he exchanged views with sugarcane farmers.

The minister, who also oversees the industries and textiles and jute ministries, said initiatives have also been taken to revive several other state-owned industrial enterprises.

He said the government will revive the closed sugar mills while keeping in mind the interests of sugarcane farmers, workers, and the long-term profitable operation of the mills.

“These mills are assets of the people of Bangladesh. Therefore, ensuring their honest and effective utilisation is the responsibility of the government,” the minister added.

“We want the closed industrial establishments to resume production, create employment opportunities, and bring new momentum to the local economy.”

He also observed that while several sugar mills are currently closed, many operating mills face multiple operational constraints.

Most of the mills are 50 to 70 years old. Therefore, many of these mills cannot be revived without modernisation, renovation, and new technology, he said.

However, in every case, the interests of sugarcane farmers, workers’ employment, and profitable management will be ensured, the minister stressed.

He further stated that when an industrial establishment remains operational, it not only provides direct employment but also creates many additional employment opportunities through various related economic activities.

Therefore, reopening the closed mills is highly important for the country’s economic growth and poverty reduction.