Despite more than six decades of operation and Tk 225.50 crore in investment, the BSCIC Industrial Estate in Dinajpur is still struggling to provide basic infrastructure and services to its entrepreneurs.
Established in 1962, the industrial estate has generated employment for nearly 4,825 people. Yet it continues to face longstanding problems, including the absence of a boundary wall, inadequate drainage, poor waste management and waterlogging during the rainy season.
Entrepreneurs say the lack of essential facilities is disrupting industrial operations and discouraging new investment in the estate.
The Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) established the industrial estate on 35.14 acres of land in the Pulhat area of Dinajpur town in 1962 at a cost of Tk 45.54 lakh. The project was completed in 1972.
Initially, 189 industrial plots were allocated, covering 28.74 acres. According to BSCIC data, 54 industrial units are currently located in the estate, of which 52 are operational. Two units—M/s Habiba Aluminium Industries (Pvt.) Ltd and M/s Rupon Oil and Feeds (Pvt.) Ltd—are closed due to bank loan defaults, with related cases pending in court.
The estate houses a diverse range of industries, including food processing, rice milling, engineering, chemical, timber, bakery, silver, automated flour milling, pulse and edible oil processing.
There are 33 A-type plots measuring 15,000 square feet each, 42 B-type plots of 9,000 square feet, 64 C-type plots of 4,500 square feet and 65 D-type plots of 2,250 square feet.
BSCIC data show that the industrial units have created employment for around 4,825 workers and employees, including 3,377 men and 1,448 women. Total investment stands at Tk 225.50 crore, while the annual value of production is Tk 302.58 crore.
The industrial estate generates Tk 201.54 lakh in annual government revenue from various sources. This includes Tk 165 lakh in income tax and VAT, Tk 1.35 lakh from electricity, Tk 4.26 lakh in land development tax, Tk 0.90 lakh in municipal tax, Tk 30 lakh in service charges and transfer fees, and Tk 0.03 lakh from telephone services.
The absence of a boundary wall has raised security concerns, while the inadequate drainage system causes waterlogging during the rainy season. The stagnant water makes movement difficult for workers and hampers the transportation of raw materials and finished goods.
Entrepreneurs have also complained about the accumulation of garbage in and around the industrial area, saying inadequate infrastructure and services are increasing their operating costs.
They said they pay an annual service charge of Tk 3.50 per square foot. Including VAT and land-related charges, the total comes to Tk 4.31 per square foot. Despite paying the charges regularly, they alleged that the services provided by the authorities do not meet their needs.
Md Nuruzzaman Sarker, president of the Dinajpur Rice Mill Owners' Group, called for immediate measures to improve the drainage system, construct a boundary wall and strengthen security at the estate.
Md Abu Bakar Siddiq, president of the Dinajpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and owner of an auto-rice mill, said service charges are increasing every year, while the quality of services remains inadequate.
“New entrepreneurs are losing interest as a result. New investment cannot be encouraged without proper services and government support,” he said.
BSCIC officials, however, said they have taken initiatives to address the problems.
Md Jahedul Islam, deputy general manager of Dinajpur BSCIC, acknowledged the shortcomings, including the lack of a boundary wall and problems with roads, drainage and waste management.
He said the industrial estate requires renovation and that a cost estimate for constructing a boundary wall had been submitted to the BSCIC headquarters for allocation in the 2025–26 fiscal year.
“Once the allocation is received, steps will be taken to construct the boundary wall and resolve the other problems,” he said.
Entrepreneurs and business leaders are now questioning why basic infrastructure and service deficiencies have persisted for more than six decades despite substantial investment, production and employment at the estate.
They said timely improvements to infrastructure and services could help Dinajpur BSCIC attract new industries, retain existing businesses and create more employment opportunities.