Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh will gradually reopen closed factories as part of a government push to create jobs and revive industrial activity.
Speaking Friday at a rally in Sylhet, Rahman said that within five to seven days of forming the government, he met industries minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and directed him to identify all closed factories and the reasons behind their shutdown.
“There are many closed factories in various places in Bangladesh due to industrial movements,” Rahman said. “We have decided to find the reasons behind these closed factories as soon as possible and, if necessary, privatize them.”
He said the government would reopen the factories in phases to create employment opportunities for unemployed people.
Rahman also said the government has held discussions with local industrial entrepreneurs to encourage them to establish new factories, a move he said would create more jobs for young people.
“At the same time, we are trying to encourage domestic and foreign investors so that they invest in various business institutions, mills, factories, or service industries, whatever it may be,” said Rahman.
Bangladesh, with a median age of about 26, faces mounting pressure to generate jobs for its young population or risk deeper social instability.