Chattogram Bureau :
The country’s largest industrial city, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar (BSMSN), being constructed in an area of 30,000 acres of land in Mirsarai and Sitakunda upazilas of Chattogram and Sonagazi upazila of Feni, is going to witness the operation of its very first factory – Asian Paints – in March this year.
“The construction of several factories out of hundreds are about to be completed. In March, Asian Paints will go to production as the first. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate its operation,” said Abdullah Al Mahmud Faruk, director of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar Development Project.
He told that another factory named MacDonald Steel would also start production in the same month.
“The opening of the factories will mark a landmark achievement for the country’s economy,” added Faruk, a joint secretary at the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza).
The India-based Asian Paints and Bangladesh’s MacDonald Steel Building Products have invested a total of $40 million, $20 million each, to run the factories.
The Asian Paints facility on 20 acres of land would produce different types of paints and other ingredients, employing some 200 workers, said Parsha Sanzana, brand manager of Asian Paints.
The paint manufacturer started construction of the factory in early 2020 and tried to begin operations in mid-2021, but failed as it could not complete preparations due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation.
“Now, 90% of the construction work is complete, and the rest will be done within February,” said Shangkar Ranjan Bhowmic, another senior official of the company.
He told that the company had decided to launch the facility in March. However, he did not mention any specific date.Meanwhile, Project Manager for the MacDonald Steel factory Abdullah Al Mamun said the company was also being prepared to roll out the facility in March by any means.
The visionary industrial city BSMSN, it is believed, will shape the future of the country, as it will generate at least 15 lakh jobs, as well as produce hundreds of products and export items.
Being one of the largest economic and industrial zones in South Asia, it is expected to enhance the country’s image.
