Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan has announced that steps are being taken to reopen the country's closed sugar mills in phases, with a dedicated task force formed for this purpose.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the Setabganj Sugar Mill in Dinajpur on Saturday afternoon, the adviser said: "A task force committee has been formed to facilitate the reopening of closed mills. Beekeepers and other stakeholders are also involved in the process. Earlier, Tk120 crore was allocated to incentivize farmers, and now an additional Tk100 crore will be provided."
Highlighting the potential of Setabganj Sugar Mill, Adilur said: "Efforts are underway to restart operations. Measures will also be taken to recover all land occupied by encroachers. Once reopened, the sugar mill will operate at full capacity with modern equipment."
Located in Bochaganj upazila of Dinajpur district, Setabganj Sugar Mill was shut down in 2020. Despite multiple initiatives, the mill, one of the country's largest, has yet to resume operations.
The adviser reiterated the government's commitment to revitalizing the sugar industry and supporting farmers.
He emphasized the strategic importance of ensuring these mills contribute to economic growth and the welfare of communities.
The reopening of the mills is expected to provide significant employment opportunities and bolster local economies.
