Productivity in Bangladesh's state-run factories was subpar as a result of unskilled labour, accountability, and lack of transparency, experts said at a seminar on Sunday.
On the eve of the National Productivity Day- 2022, National Productivity Organization (NPO) under the Industries Ministry organized the event at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city, said a press release.
Agriculture Minister Dr Muhammad Abdur Razzaque while speaking at the seminar said productivity of the government-run factories was much lesser compared to those of the competing nations.
He added productivity in the factories should be increased to such a level that they become a model even for the private sector.
“The government-owned industrial units should be run with accountability, transparency and those must recruit skilled manpower,” he viewed.
The minister said no industrial entity could be profitable without raising its productivity to the international level.
"A comprehensive study should be conducted to find out which of the government entities have been performing well and which are lagging behind," he said.
He also emphasized increasing productivity of the private industries for economic growth.
The minister said earlier productivity in agriculture was lower, which has increased notably for adopting improved crop varieties and technological innovations.
Earlier a farmer could get 4-5 maunds (40 kg per maund) of rice per 33 decimals of land, which has increased to 17-18 maunds now, he said.
He also urged the sector insiders to work jointly to boost production of crops, milk and other items by doubling production by the year 2030 to achieve the SDGs.
State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumder claimed Bangladesh is one of the best performing nations in the world in terms of production growth.
Industrial sector's contribution to the overall economy is now 37% which has been possible for increased production, he said.
Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana and president of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries Md Jashim Uddin also spoke at the event.
Director general of NPO Mesbahul Alam presided over the event while a2i (aspire to innovate) head of technology Farooq Ahmed Jewel presented the keynote paper.