Commerce, Industries, Textiles, and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir announced plans to establish a new BSCIC industrial estate on 200 acres of land in Pabna to boost local employment.
The minister made the announcement on Friday afternoon while speaking as the chief guest at the "Litchi Festival and Agricultural Trade Fair 2026," organized by the Bangladesh Krishak Samity at Mirkamari Adarsha High School in Ishwardi, Pabna.
Highlighting the necessity of rapid industrialization, Muktadir noted that the existing Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) site in Pabna currently has no vacant plots. "Following the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the government is working relentlessly to create massive employment opportunities as quickly as possible," he said. Addressing the region's agricultural heritage, the minister stressed the need for effective litchi preservation. He assured farmers that the government would assess the feasibility of building a dedicated cold storage facility in Pabna.
However, he also urged local innovators and farmers to develop affordable, homegrown preservation methods—similar to those used for onions—to prevent fruit spoilage and maximize yields. Outlining the broader picture of national food security, Muktadir noted that Bangladesh currently produces about 40 million tonnes of rice annually and has achieved self-sufficiency in onion production. He added that while the country yields around 11.5 million tonnes of potatoes each year, a significant portion is still lost due to inadequate storage infrastructure.
The event was chaired by Bangladesh Krishak Samity President Md. Siddiqur Rahman. Special guests included State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin Putul, Reserved Women's Seat MP Advocate Arifa Sultana Ruma, Industries Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman, BSCIC Chairman Md. Saiful Islam, Pabna District BNP Convener Habibur Rahman Habib, and Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam.
