Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday assured local entrepreneurs of necessary government support to encourage investment and create employment as part of efforts to improve people’s socio-economic conditions and strengthen the country’s economy. ‘Alongside political rights, it is essential to ensure the economic empowerment of the people. The government will provide all necessary policy support to encourage local entrepreneurs to invest and create employment,’ he said.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister made the remarks while speaking at an agreement-signing ceremony at the Secretariat for leasing out three closed state-owned jute mills to two private business groups. He emphasized the importance of boosting the economic capacity of the people, stating that no state can become strong by keeping the common people in poverty or silencing their voices.

Promising continued government support for local entrepreneurs, Tarique Rahman highlighted that helping them invest and create jobs will improve people’s livelihoods as well as the overall economic situation. He expressed the government’s main goal and objective of building a country where everyone can enjoy a better life. Supporting entrepreneurs, he noted, would not only create employment but also enhance the economic situation.

The Prime Minister further stressed the importance of domestic investment alongside foreign investments, welcoming the latter but emphasizing the need to encourage local investors and entrepreneurs. He assured that the government would provide the necessary policy support for their business and investment endeavors.

Tarique Rahman also noted that the government’s policies aim to create opportunities for all segments of society and that they are working towards building a strong nation with everyone’s cooperation. He expressed gratitude to the two business groups, PRAN-RFL Group and HAMKO Group, for stepping up to manage the jute mills.

The government signed lease agreements to reopen three long-closed state-owned jute mills under private management, with an estimated investment of Tk 619 crore and the potential to create at least 11,629 jobs. The agreements were signed between the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation (BJMC) and the two business groups. PRAN-RFL Group will manage National Jute Mills Ltd in Sirajganj and Star Jute Mills Ltd in Khulna, while HAMKO Group will oversee Platinum Jubilee Jute Mills Ltd in Khulna.

Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, State Minister Md Shariful Alam, Textiles and Jute Secretary Sharf Uddin Ahmed Choudhury, PRAN-RFL Group Chairman Ahsan Khan Chowdhury, and HAMKO Group Managing Director ATM Mustafa were present at the event.