The Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) industrial estate built at Sreemangal in Moulvibazar at a cost of Tk 49 crore with the aim of promoting industrialisation and creating employment has yet to go into operation even after six years. Instead of factories, the area has turned into a safe haven for wildlife.
To establish an industrial estate, BSCIC in 2012 acquired 20 acres of land in Uttarsur area of Sreemangal, known as one of the commercial hubs of Sylhet division and a tea-industry-rich tourist spot. Construction began in 2016 and was completed in 2019, including administrative buildings, staff quarters, pump house, gas substation, ponds, and paved internal roads.
However, six years after completion, not a single industrial unit has been set up there. Most of the 122 plots are covered with bushes and wild vegetation. Grass, creepers, and trees have grown along both sides of the paved roads. The second entrance gate has remained closed for a long time and is now completely covered by plants.
Due to theft of equipment from the gas substation and electricity transformers, the entire area is now without power. Inside the buildings, machinery lies abandoned, and electric meters are hidden under weeds.
The estate has now become a safe haven for snakes, jackals, dogs, civet cats, and other wild animals. Local residents say that even during the daytime, it is risky to walk alone in the area.
Sources say that out of 122 plots, 56 were initially allocated. However, none of the allottees have started factory construction so far. It is alleged that most of the allottees are entrepreneurs from outside the district and show little interest. Due to a lack of publicity, the rest of plots remain unsold.
BSCIC Industrial Estate Officer Md. Munayem Wayesh said there are three types of plots: 6,000 square feet, 4,500 square feet, and some random plots ranging from 3,800 to 8,100 square feet. Entrepreneurs can choose according to their needs. The price has been fixed at Tk799.54 per square foot. He added that three new plots have recently been allocated and work will begin soon, while discussions are ongoing regarding three more plots.
Local young entrepreneur Md. Dulon Mia said, “Despite spending crores of taka to build an industrial estate, the government has failed to create real entrepreneurs. If plots were given to local entrepreneurs on easy terms, industries would have flourished here.”
Abdul Basit, treasurer of the Sreemangal Traders Association, said, “If this industrial estate were operational, it would create employment for unemployed youths and strengthen local economy. Now all we see are jungles and abandoned structures.”
Night guard Bishwajit Sarkar said, “The entire area is overgrown with jungle. It is impossible for one person to guard such a large area. There has been no electricity since the transformer was stolen. I am at risk due to repeated attacks by thieves and robbers.”
BSCIC officer Md. Munayem Wayesh said that none of the entrepreneurs who received plot allocations in 2019 have started work. A decision has been taken in a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner that they must begin construction and clear dues by December 31, 2025. Failure to do so will result in cancellation of their allocations and new initiatives will be taken.
Electricity remains disconnected due to the transformer theft, but the Rural Electrification Board has been informed for reconnection. An assessment of damage to the gas substation is underway, and necessary steps will be taken in this regard. Gas supply will be arranged once industries are established, he added.
