Govt takes steps to reopen closed factories: PM

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Friday that his government had taken initiatives to reopen closed factories gradually in the country, reports BSS.

"We've taken initiatives to restart the factories that were shut down in previous years. I have instructed all concerned to determine how quickly each factory can be reopened to ensure employment for unemployed workers. There is a meeting on this matter this week," he said.

The Prime Minister was addressing a Sramik rally in front of BNP's Nayapaltan office in the city on the occasion of the International Workers' Day. Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal organized the rally with its President Anwar Hossain in the chair.

Tarique Rahman arrived at the venue at 4:19 pm while thousands of people present in the rally welcomed him with slogans and applause. He also greeted the people by waving hands.

"We know that reopening the closed factories alone will not ensure employment for all workers. Along with these workers, there are many more unemployed people in the country," the Prime Minister said, adding, thus, employment opportunities must be created for them both at home and abroad.

"Therefore, we have started discussions with foreign and local investors. We are encouraging them to invest and establish factories in the country," he said.

Noting that if factories are established in the country, workers will get employment opportunities, the premier said, adding, "If workers stay well, Bangladesh will stay well. If farmers stay well, Bangladesh will stay well. That means when the working people of the country stay well, only then Bangladesh will stay well."

Addressing the audience, Tarique Rahman said, "You have seen that there were hawkers on different roads in the capital city, but due to traffic congestion and inconvenience to the public, we have removed them".

"However, we also understand that they are people too, they have families, and they need to survive. Therefore, we have instructed the concerned authorities that eviction alone is not enough; their employment must also be ensured. An elected government will certainly ensure employment for working people," he continued.