Govt moves to revive industry, stabilise markets: Minister

Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the government is advancing an integrated, time-appropriate action plan to revive the industrial sector, ensure market stability, and secure the supply of essential commodities.
He said bringing sick and closed industrial units back into operation to boost production and employment is a top priority.
The minister made the remarks while briefing journalists after a session on the second day of the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Monday, according to a press release.
Muktadir said the process of handing over around 50 closed and sick textile and jute mills to the private sector is underway. 
“This initiative will attract new investment, increase production, and create significant employment opportunities,” he said, adding that the government aims to complete the process within the next year.
Referring to proposals from deputy commissioners, he said they offered practical, field-based recommendations from their respective districts. 
These included reviving industries, establishing new industrial zones, reopening closed sugar mills, and installing distilleries to boost export potential. 
The minister assured that the government would give due consideration to these proposals.
Emphasising structural reforms in market management, the minister said the government plans to introduce a modern, technology-driven (AI-based) supply chain monitoring system to reduce the price gap between producers and consumers. 
“The system will allow close monitoring of imports, stocks, and wholesale and retail tiers, ensuring transparency and accountability,” he added.
To address global market volatility, Muktadir said the government is building strategic reserves of import-dependent commodities. “This will help prevent shortages and maintain price stability even if global supply chains are disrupted,” he said.
Highlighting the role of the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB), he said a strong advisory council comprising public and private sector experts will be formed to make its market interventions more effective and targeted.
Regarding the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha, the commerce minister said a special plan has been taken to preserve rawhides. “We aim to ensure that not a single rawhide is wasted,” he said.
Muktadir said that through the district and upazila administrations, training would be imparted to people related to mosques and madrasas, supplying salt through government measures, distributing awareness creating leaflets, and conducting campaign in the media.
He also mentioned that transportation of rawhides will be regulated for seven days after Eid to ensure proper local preservation.
Stressing the need for a more proactive role of field administration in maintaining market stability, the minister said, “The administration and the elected government will work together to keep the supply chain functional and protect consumer interests. This is our commitment.”
State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md. Shariful Alam, along with the secretaries of the respective ministries, were present at the briefing.