Reopen closed firms: PM

Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman on Thursday asked reopening closed industrial factories in order to expedite privatisation and attract domestic and foreign investments.

While chairing a high-level meeting, PM instructed the relevant authorities to complete the process by end-2026.

The meeting was held at 3:30pm in Cabinet Division conference room, with the talks focused on taking necessary measures to resume productions in the laid-off industrial units, removing bureaucratic hurdles. 

PM stressed effective steps for creating more investment-friendly industrial environment.

The meeting was attended by Adviser for Finance and Planning Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Commerce, Industries and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandaker Abdul Muqtadir, State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Ashik Chowdhury, and senior officials from relevant ministries and agencies.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday combined gestures of recognition and inclusion by meeting a victim of the July Uprising  and handing over government appointment letters to three persons with disabilities at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

The Prime Minister's day began with the presentation of appointment letters to three individuals with disabilities as he entered his office under the Cabinet Division. The initiative was aimed at expanding employment opportunities for persons with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in mainstream society.

The recipients were Ayesha Akter of Saghata upazila in Gaibandha, Neela Khatun of Kamarkhand upazila in Sirajganj, and Md. Hasmat Ali of Narail Sadar.

Born without both hands, Neela completed her master's degree by writing with her feet and was appointed as a teacher at the National Foundation for the Development of the Disabled in Mirpur, Dhaka. Ayesha, who also has no hands, completed her postgraduate education in the same way and received her appointment letter using her mouth. She has been appointed as a Class Supervisor at BIAM Laboratory School and College in Gaibandha. Visually impaired Hasmat Ali has been appointed as a Union Social Worker under the Department of Social Services.

The ceremony was attended by Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, State Minister Farzana Sharmin Putul, Social Welfare Secretary Dr. Mohammad Abu Yusuf, Bangladesh Foundation for the Development of the Disabled Managing Director Md. Tarikul Alam, and Department of Social Services Director General Shah Mohammad Mahbub. Bangladesh Disability Welfare Association founder Abdul Sattar Dulal later thanked the Prime Minister for the initiative.