By Md. Zahid Hasan Milu, Thakurgaon
Published: 26 September 2025 :
BSCIC Industrial City was established in Gobindanagar, near Thakurgaon district town, with the aim of expanding local industries, creating employment and accelerating economic development. But even after more than three decades, this industrial area could not give the expected success. Instead, due to mismanagement, dilapidated roads, stagnant drainage and unhealthy environment, it has become an almost abandoned area in the jungle. Over time, this industrial city has fallen on its face due to infrastructural crisis and stagnant conditions.
It is known that 105 plots were built in this BSCIC industrial city, which started its journey in 1987, covering an area of 15 acres. Currently, there are only 53 companies, and 49 are active in production. However, the condition of the active companies is also fragile. The roads are dilapidated, there is no effective water drainage system. The few drains that were built have also become obsolete. As a result, dirty water accumulates, and the nuisance of mosquitoes has increased. The workers are facing extreme health risks. Now most of the plots in the industrial city are abandoned. The aim was to create employment for thousands of people, but instead of that, the workers are spending their days in critical conditions.
On the spot, it is seen that various bakery products are being prepared in unhygienic environments. Abandoned plastic is being piled up alongside. That plastic is being recycled to make pies and ropes. Waste is being burned on the roadside. This is not only increasing the health risks of the workers and the people around, but also seriously polluting the environment.
Avinash, a tailor from Panchagarh, told Dhaka Mail, "The condition of the roads and drains here is so bad that it is beyond words. Even a little rain causes water to accumulate on the roads. The mosquito infestation increases in that water. This makes it difficult to move around and we are suffering from health risks." Another worker, Khademul Islam, told Dhaka Mail that it has become difficult to even get an auto through the road here. A few days ago, a truck loaded with jute overturned due to the broken road and mud. Such accidents happen often. Despite repeated requests from the owner to BSCIC officials, no action has been taken. Local Sohel Rana said, "No one will be interested in investing in a place where food, plastic and chemical factories are run in an unhygienic environment, roads and drainage systems are in such a bad condition, and garbage is dumped everywhere on the roads." It is important to solve these problems and develop the industrial city in a healthy and planned manner. Then it will be possible to achieve the expected success of BSCIC and create more jobs. Md. Akhter Hossain, owner of 'Anik Furniture' in the industrial city, said, many industrial institutions have not come to production even after getting allocation. Some are running production as they are, ignoring the rules and regulations. At night, this industrial area becomes a hangout for scoundrels and drug addicts. Incidents of theft and robbery also occur. Therefore, we seek the intervention of the administration.
Thakurgaon BSCIC District Deputy Manager Md. Hafizur Rahman told Dhaka Mail, "The owners are being warned repeatedly to operate industrial establishments according to the policy. Earlier, it was not possible to develop the road and drainage system much. However, allocation has been sought for development now. Work will start once allocation is received. In addition, the municipality is being contacted for waste removal. I hope a beautiful and productive industrial city will be developed soon." Industrial owners and workers demand that Thakurgaon BSCIC be quickly transformed into a healthy, planned and production-oriented industrial city, freed from mismanagement and unhealthy environment. Experts believe that if government support, modern infrastructure, and facilities for entrepreneurs are ensured, Thakurgaon BSCIC Industrial City can regain its vitality. Otherwise, it will eventually become a complete ruin.
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