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The government is preparing a broad initiative to expand industrialisation in the northern region, with a particular focus on agro-based industries aimed at generating employment.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman outlined the plan during a series of meetings on Monday at his office, starting at 11:00am, with leading entrepreneurs from the fruit, dairy, food and beverage, and poultry sectors.
A total of 16 business leaders took part in the discussions, including Pran-RFL Group Chairman and CEO Ahsan Khan Chowdhury; Transcom Limited Group CEO Simeen Rahman; Nabil Group Managing Director and CEO Md Aminul Islam; TK Group Director Mohammad Mustafa Haider; Square Food & Beverage Ltd CEO Md Parvez Saiful Islam; Kazi Farms Managing Director Kazi Zahedul Hasan; BRAC Enterprises Managing Director Tamara Hasan Abed; Akij Venture Group Chairman Sk Shamim Uddin; Akij Food & Beverage Ltd CEO Sayed Johurul Alam; Lal Teer Seeds Ltd Director Tajwar M Awal; and Paragon Limited Managing Director Moshiur Rahman; among others.
Finance and Planning Adviser Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir also attended the meeting.
Prime Minister's Office sources said North Bengal is being viewed as a strategically important economic zone, with plans to unlock its potential through expanded industrialisation and development as an agro-processing hub.
Agro-based industries remain a top priority, with officials emphasising the use of local resources to boost productivity and employment.
Meeting insiders said the discussions also focused on creating fresh investment opportunities in the region.
The government plans to strengthen infrastructure and offer policy support to attract both local and foreign investors.
Officials also noted that several state-owned enterprises are currently underperforming despite holding large tracts of land.
The meeting discussed how these lands could be better utilised for new industries and job creation.
At a separate pre-budget discussion organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Commerce and Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir said many sugar mills own thousands of acres of land, and the government is exploring ways to make better use of these assets through greater private sector participation.
Overall, the government expects these measures to accelerate industrialisation in North Bengal and beyond, driving job creation and strengthening economic growth.
Speaking to The Financial Express, three business leaders said the prime minister reiterated the government's commitment to expanding agro-based industrialisation in the northern region to create employment opportunities.
They added that he assured participants of steps to improve investment-friendly policies.
One agro-industry entrepreneur described the meeting as a "close and constructive discussion" with the prime minister.
During the meetings, the prime minister also heard concerns from business leaders regarding the ongoing energy crisis and the broader investment climate.
After the meeting, Pran-RFL Group Chairman and CEO Ahsan Khan Chowdhury told journalists that detailed discussions were held on agriculture, industry, and overall economic development.
He said special emphasis was placed on developing agriculture and industry in North Bengal and other underserved regions, alongside increasing agricultural production and expanding agro-based industries.
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