Joypurhat Sugar Mill reels from mismanagement, mounting losses

Joypurhat Sugar Mill, once one of the country's largest sugar mills, is now struggling with declining production capacity, mounting losses and poor management, while valuable state-owned assets lie unused on its premises.
Established on around 100 acres in 1962, the mill began large-scale production in 1963. It once played a significant role in the economy of the northern region, supporting the livelihoods of sugarcane farmers, workers, transport operators and others dependent on its operations.
The factory, the largest government-owned sugar mill of the country, started experiencing losses since 1990. In March 2015 sugar farmers and suppliers protested the non-payment of dues by the mill. The mill blamed it on poor sales and overstocking of sugar.
However, outdated machinery, inadequate maintenance, weak management and a lack of long-term planning have undermined its production capacity and financial performance. The growing financial crisis and debt burden have further compounded the problems.
Often trucks, tractors, cranes, machinery and other valuable equipment lie idle across the mill premises. Many have deteriorated due to prolonged use and a lack of proper maintenance. Those concerned said proper inventory management, preservation and utilisation of the equipment could help support the mill's operations.
The crisis has also affected workers and employees, with uncertainty over salaries and allowances arising on several occasions. The proposed transfer to private ownership has fuelled further concern over their job security and future livelihoods, a number of workers alleged.
Ali Akter, president of the Joypurhat Sugar Mill Workers’ Union, said workers' opinions were not being considered in decisions concerning the future of such an important institution. He attributed the mill's current condition to years of neglect, poor coordination and mismanagement, adding that the institution could recover if it remained under state ownership and received proper management, necessary reforms and better utilisation of existing resources.
Engineer Abdul Baten, director of the Joypurhat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and member secretary of the Development Forum, said the crisis stemmed not only from financial difficulties but also from weak management and inadequate long-term planning. He said modern technology, regular equipment maintenance and accountable administration could improve the mill's production and financial performance.
Joypurhat Sugar Mill Managing Director Mohammad Khabir Uddin Molla said plans had been taken to increase production, expand sugarcane cultivation, repair essential machinery and restore discipline in administrative activities.
He expressed hope that the mill could recover if the initiatives were implemented.
The mill's future now depends on whether effective reforms, improved management and proper utilisation of state assets can restore production and protect employment at the long-standing industrial institution.