Weak utilities, security gaps stifle growth at Sherpur BSCIC estate

The Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) industrial estate in Sherpur is grappling with poor infrastructure, inadequate utility services and security concerns, with entrepreneurs warning that the problems are discouraging investment and constraining industrial growth.

Established in 1987 on 15 acres in the Nouhata area, the estate began allocating plots in 2000. It now comprises 107 plots and 33 industrial units. Of these, 28 are operational and four are under implementation.

Although the estate currently employs around 700 workers, stakeholders say the figure could rise severalfold if all units became fully operational.

Business owners say unreliable utility services remain one of the biggest obstacles to growth.

“Gas shortages have disrupted production and prevented the estate from developing as expected,” said Fazle Nazim Parvez, proprietor of Modina Food and Beverage.

Md Kamal Hossain, proprietor of Taj Bread and Biscuit Factory, said the roads within the estate are narrow and in poor condition, with no alternative access route. He added that the drainage system also requires urgent improvement.

Security has emerged as another major concern. The estate has operated for nearly four decades without a boundary wall, leaving it vulnerable to criminal activity.

“Security is a major concern at the estate. The roads here become unsafe after evening. Although there are streetlights, they are not enough. Without a boundary wall, the area has become a haven for muggers and drug users,” said a factory owner, who requested anonymity.

Entrepreneurs have called for the construction of a boundary wall and main gate, the installation of adequate lighting and CCTV cameras, and the establishment of a permanent police check post or camp instead of occasional patrols.

They have also demanded better roads, improved drainage and a lasting solution to the gas crisis.

Businesspeople said several factories that once employed hundreds of workers shut down within a decade because of these concerns. They also blamed inadequate monitoring and support from the authorities for the closure of many units.

According to entrepreneurs, the unfriendly business environment, weak security and chronic gas shortages are deterring potential investors.

“I run businesses in several districts and had planned to establish a food-processing factory in the area. However, because of inadequate gas supply and security concerns, I have not been able to proceed, despite the availability of relatively cheap labour,” said another entrepreneur, also requesting anonymity.

Stakeholders said small industries in the area are not expanding as expected. Even after nearly four decades, they argue, the estate has yet to develop into a major industrial and employment hub and still lacks large-scale industries.

Md Anamul Haque, estate officer of BSCIC, said the estate has dedicated electricity and water supply systems, but frequent power cuts continue to disrupt production.

He added that although gas connections were provided to seven industrial units in 2008, supply interruptions and low gas pressure remain persistent problems. Many factories are still without gas connections, further hampering production.

Regarding complaints about the boundary wall, Md Ataur Rahman Fakir, deputy manager of BSCIC in Sherpur, said a lack of funding has caused the long delay in its construction.

Regular consultation meetings are held with entrepreneurs to discuss their concerns and explore the estate’s potential, he added.

Fakir said that issues such as new gas connections, low gas pressure and the establishment of a police camp have been raised with higher authorities, and efforts are underway to support existing businesses and attract new entrepreneurs.