Patuakhali BSCIC Industrial Estate now a grazing ground

The industrial estate was set up in Mayhagram area here in 1981 on 10.27 acres of land at a cost of Tk 1.18 crore. Initially, BSCIC allotted 97 plots in favour of eight Industrial units. But now only three small Industries are running here, because 5 other industries already closed down due to continuous loss incurred by the owners.

The running industries are Shahin Pipe Industries, Kazi Rope Industry and Rezia Flour Mills.

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Patuakhali Textile Mill was closed with a bank debt of Tk 2.28 crore, Biswas Board Factory was closed with a debt of Tk 17.38 lakh, Jhelik Printing and Processing was closed with Tk 11.35 lakh bank debt, Rupali Steel stopped operation with a burden of Tk 4.27 lakh as bank debt while Bengal Moulding and Auto-Engineering was closed with Tk 3.48 lakh bank debt.

However, there is a good prospect of establishing industries like salt mill, rice mill and biscuit factory based on locally available raw materials, according to BSCIC Assistant General Manager Shamsul Haq.

Nasiruddin, manager of the rope industry informed their product has a great demand in local markets. So, they are a profitable concern.

But entrepreneurs and traders complained bad road communication between the industrial estate and the main town and unfavourable climate to set up industries. They demanded for setting up of a police outpost in the area. Unfortunately, the authorities concerned did not pay heed to their demand, they added.