RANGPUR, Jan 29: The establishment of the second industrial estate under the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) in the northern city is still a far cry.
Sources said the initiative, which was taken nearly 20 years ago to set up the industrial estate, has not seen any ray of hope due to 'lack of land'.
Meanwhile, a good number of entrepreneurs have been disappointed due to the long delay in setting up the industrial estate.
Many of them have alleged that there is great potential to develop small industries in Rangpur under the BSCIC.
Official sources said the application, which was submitted to the government authorities to set up the industrial estate, has not approved yet.
However, they have cited 'lack of land' as the main reason for not establishing the industrial estate.
Now, industrial factories are being set up in an unplanned way in the northern city. This is constantly increasing the pressure on agricultural land.
It is mentioned that the BSCIC established the first industrial estate on around 20.75 acres of land at Kellaband in Rangpur city in 1967.
It has a total of 84 plots. Total industrial units are 25. Of them, 18 units are operational. It is learnt that the industrial estate has not been developed much since its inception. Dilapidated roads and ramshackle drainage system, lack of security and underdeveloped infrastructures are the main obstacles to running business smoothly.
In 2004, the BSCIC applied to the ministry concerned for the approval to acquire about 50 acres of land to set up the second Industrial estate at Damdama on the outskirts of the city. But the application was rejected.
Later, an application to set up the second industrial estate at Paglapir of Rangpur was submitted to the ministry last year. Talking to The Financial Express, Md Ehesanul Haque, deputy general manager of the BSCIC, Rangpur, said a proposal has been sent to the ministry for acquisition of 100 acres of land for the establishment of the second industrial estate in Paglapir area. But, the ministry is yet to give any approval in this regard.
"If Rangpur BSCIC is expanded and potential industries are developed, export earnings will increase. Economy will boost and new employment opportunities will be created," he added.
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