Sites with ready infrastructure could be redeveloped for industries including EVs, textiles and renewable energy
6 July 2026, 00:00 AM
J
Jagaran Chakma
As many as 44 closed, loss-making or partly operational state-owned enterprises are ready to welcome private investors as the government seeks to revive idle industrial assets and attract fresh investment.“We are inviting investors to partner in reviving state-owned enterprises through private sector investment,” Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida), announced yesterday as the authority unveiled details of the factories.The sites cover about 10,000 acres, and most already have gas, electricity and other essential infrastructure in place.Businesses will be able to use idle land and underused assets through a range of investment models, including local and foreign investment, joint ventures, public-private partnerships and other strategic arrangements.Officials said the sites offer opportunities for investment in electric vehicles, green steel, lithium batteries, packaging paper, agro-processing, textiles, chemicals, logistics and renewable energy.“This offers a win-win opportunity: businesses can expand using ready industrial facilities, while the government benefits from increased employment and reduced fiscal pressure,” said Bida Executive Chairman Ashik.At a meeting with prominent industrialists and business leaders last month, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman assured both domestic and foreign investors of full cooperation and policy support to revive the factories.The factories fall under five state corporations -- Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC), Bangladesh Steel and Engineering Corporation (BSEC), Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation (BTMC) and Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC).
