The industrial estate established for developing small and cottage industries seven decades ago in Barisal, now named Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (Bscic), is suffering from various problems and has yet to become production-friendly.
The major problems identified in Barisal Bscic include lack of power and fuel supply, sewerage and drainage systems, a medical centre, a fire service station, a police station, and easy communication for marketing products. Even after the inauguration of the Padma Bridge and the Payra marine port, this potential sector is constantly struggling to survive.
Nazrul Islam, deputy general manager of Bscic Barisal, said that in 1961, the construction of the Barisal EPSCIC estate started with 130.61 acres of land. A total of 446 plots were developed there at a huge cost. Later, by increasing the amount of land to 230 acres, plans were made to build the country's largest industrial city, Bscic. In 1989, the scheme was transferred to the revenue sector.
There are 470 plots in the Barisal Bscic estate, and among those, 377 plots have been allotted to 177 people at different times, but now only 126 industrial units are in production.
Plots are divided into four categories based on land size, location, and type. "A" grade plots of 37.88 decimal areas were priced at Tk11 lakh, "B" grade plots of 20.66 decimal areas were priced at Tk6 lakh, "C" grade plots of 13.77 decimal areas were priced at Tk4 lakh, and "F" grade plots were priced at Tk2 lakh.
The Bscic official said that Tk74 crore was allocated for the development of Bscic in 2018. The work of filling the surrounding walls and low land is almost complete. Now only drainage and culvert work are left. The government is working to make Bscic entrepreneur-friendly.
Nazmun Nahar Rina, the head of Bismillah Polymer and Packaging at Barisal Bscic Estate, said they suffered a loss of Tk70 lakh in 12 months due to the absence of gas and electricity stations. She realized this after opening the factory and became disinterested in establishing and running two profitable garment factories.
Rifat Ferdous, head of the economics department at Barisal University, mentioned that interest in investment in Barisal Bscic has increased since the launch of the Padma Bridge. There are several manufacturing companies that meet international standards. However, it is frustrating not to have the basic support that institutions need to run smoothly.
If infrastructural problems were solved, production costs would decrease. Additionally, the training of workers and workplace safety should be ensured, the economist added.
He also said that if the government pays attention to Barisal Bscic through proper planning, along with the launch of the Padma Bridge and Payra port, then the people of this region can benefit significantly.
Monir Hossain, one of the entrepreneurs, said he took a plot with the plan of making a garment factory. But considering the overall situation, including the lack of gas and a separate power station, he has decided to start the production process later.
The entrepreneurs said that quick measures to prevent accidents and fire incidents, a fire service station, provision of first aid for emergency treatment of the workers, and a police outpost for security are urgently needed.
Barisal Divisional Health Director Dr Shyamal Krishna Mandal said ensuring the healthcare of Bscic workers is crucial. However, as it falls under the Barisal City Corporation, the main responsibility for setting up a medical centre lies with them.
“If the BCC needs any assistance in setting up the health centre, we will help,” the health official added.
BCC Chief Executive Officer Israel Hossain could not be reached for comment.
Manjurul Islam, the chief executive engineer of Barisal West Zone Power Distribution Company-2, mentioned that they have set up a substation with a capacity of 40 megawatts near that area, recognizing the importance of Bscic. However, the sub-center cannot be started as the manpower has not been appointed yet.
When asked whether Bscic needs a firefighting sub-centre, Deputy Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence Barisal Division Mizanur Rahman said that it takes more than an acre of land for a fire service station, and it would be difficult to find the space in the Barisal Bscic.
Deputy Commissioner of Barisal Shahidul Islam said: “Barisal Bscic is the biggest industrial city of the country in terms of size. All-out support is being given to make the economically important Bscic self-sufficient and strong.”