Govt eager to lease out all closed mills of BJMC, BTMC to entrepreneurs

Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin announced that the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) and Bangladesh Textile Mills Corporation (BTMC) have approximately 45 to 50 closed mills, which the government intends to lease to entrepreneurs.
Over the past six months, three mills have already been leased, and negotiations for leasing additional mills are underway.
Sheikh Bashiruddin made these remarks as the chief guest at an agreement signing ceremony between BTMC and Western Engineering Private Limited, for the operation of the Kurigram Textile Mill on lease. The event took place at a hotel in the capital on Sunday, January 26.
The adviser emphasised that the government is now making decisions based solely on the qualifications and proposals of investors, not personal relationships. He encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of government resources, which would benefit both themselves and the country, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy and employment.
Bashiruddin also highlighted the existing infrastructure at BTMC and BJMC mills, noting that with some renovation work, production could resume quickly, creating a profitable opportunity. The Ministry of Textiles and Jute is actively seeking investors, and Bashiruddin urged businessmen to seize this opportunity.
At the event, Md Abdur Rouf, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles and Jute, discussed the potential benefits of investment, particularly in Kurigram, where suitable employment opportunities could greatly benefit the local population. He reiterated that the ministry is focused on reopening closed mills.
Bashir Ahmed, Managing Director of Western Engineering Private Limited, expressed the company’s commitment to increasing employment in Kurigram and establishing an industry that is both people- and environment-friendly.
The agreement was later signed by BTMC Chairman Brigadier General SM Zahid Hasan and Bashir Ahmed, Managing Director of Western Engineering Private Limited.