Govt to Turn Thakurgaon into Food Processing Hub: Industries Minister

Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir on Saturday said the government wants to fully utilize the potential of the food processing sector in Thakurgaon, especially potato, tea and dairy-based industries.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the new BSCIC industrial city in Thakurgaon on May 9, the minister said the project is expected to create jobs for around 25,000 people in the future.

He said an EPZ in Thakurgaon is already operating successfully, and the new BSCIC industrial city will be developed as a hub for agriculture-based and food processing industries. According to him, several local entrepreneurs have shown interest in setting up factories and are preparing to take plots in the industrial park.

The minister said increasing investment and establishing new industries are essential to reducing unemployment. He added that the government aims to turn the country’s population into skilled manpower through industrial development.

He also said that if the project succeeds, similar specialized industrial cities could be established in other regions of the country.

Highlighting local industrial success, the minister said mozzarella cheese produced in Thakurgaon is now being exported abroad. He also noted that tea cultivation in the plains of Thakurgaon has expanded significantly in recent years.

According to the minister, two major entrepreneurs in the district are processing around 1.9 million kilograms of tea annually for export, demonstrating the growing potential of the region’s food processing industry.

On potato exports and processing, he said special potato varieties are required to produce chips and potato flakes. In coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers will be encouraged to cultivate improved potato varieties through contract farming.

He said the initiative would help ensure proper use of the country’s surplus potato production and support export growth.

According to officials, the industrial park covers around 50 acres and includes 251 plots. Some entrepreneurs may be allowed to lease multiple plots for larger industrial projects.

Deputy Secretary Md. Khairuzzaman, Secretary Md. Obaidur Rahman, BSCIC Chairman Md. Saiful Islam, Deputy Commissioner Md. Rafiqul Haque, Additional Deputy Commissioner Md. Nazmul Haque Sumon, Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Alamgir Hossain and local business leaders accompanied the minister during the visit.