Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) estate, a prime government organisation entrusted with rapid industrialization of small and cottage industries, Barisal chapter lies in dire state due to negligence of the concern authorities.
BSCIC office sources said the estate under a 30-year project was established on 130.61 acres of land with 446 plots on January 9, 1960.
The131.65 core project was transferred to revenue sector after completing its tenure in 1989.
The 446 plots in the estate were divided in to two categories as 165 developed and 281 non-developed plots on basis of different facilities and position under 4 grades as per size.
Out of total 446 plots, 378 plots allotted for establishing industries in last 55 years and rest 68 plots still waiting for entrepreneurs.
However, only 69 (18.25 percent) out of allotted 378 plots of the estate, started production in different times.
Among those 69 productive establishments, now only 22 are in good profitable condition, 26 running in marginal condition and rest 21 closed after became sick.
Mofazzel Huq, an official of Barisal BSCIC estate, said high powered teams including industry minister Amir Hossain Amu visited the estate recently.
They exchanged views with different corners and stake holders.
They emphasized on improvement of infrastructure, development of communication, sufficient water and power supply, special law and order and security arrangements, Moniruzzaman Khan, deputy general manager of the BSCIC said.
A project proposed of Tk42-core sent to industry ministry more than a year ago. But it did not see the ray of hope.
Besides, natural gas supply from Shahbazpur survives merely in name with only 35 running industrial units though it was to be the biggest industrial city.
Saidur Rahman Rintu, president of the Barisal Chamber of Commerce and Industries, emphasized on long term master plan for balanced industrialization.
Development of infra structural facilities like sufficient power and water supply, communication, export processing zone with long term tax holiday, needed for curing of ailing Barisal BSCIC estate, Rintu said.
Local residents alleged that unutilised and closed down units of the BSCIC estate became dens of miscreants and drug peddlers.
The project fell through for lack of proper care, nourishment and Government patronization, they said.
At least eight murdered dead bodies found in the area in last ten-year.
Mugging, snatching, drug peddling became common incidents in the estate, said Abdul Huq, a resident of the area.
Kazi Mahbubur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Kawnia police station of the city, said with limited manpower and lack of infrastructural facilities, law enforcing agencies could not play expected role in maintaining law and order in the BSCIC estate.
