Govt to facilitate, not run businesses: State Minister Shariful

State Minister for Textiles and Jute Md Shariful Alam today (21 April) said the government will not engage in business itself but will extend all-out support to entrepreneurs by creating a business-friendly environment.

"The government will remove obstacles for businesspeople and ensure a supportive climate for investment and growth. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, we have already started working toward that goal," he said.

The state minister made the remarks while speaking at a view- exchange meeting after visiting Ghorashal unit of Amin Mohammad Chemicals Limited in Palash upazila.

Highlighting the government's priorities, the state minister said the main objectives are to reduce unemployment, generate employment opportunities and accelerate economic activities.

"The government stands by businesspeople and will continue to do so," he added.

Earlier in the day, after visiting the closed Co-operative Jute Mill in Palash, Shariful told reporters that the government is working to reopen shuttered jute mills across the country in line with its election pledges.

He said efforts are underway to revive the mills through both public and private management, aiming to attract local and foreign investors to boost employment. "Once these factories reopen, local people will be given priority in jobs," he added.

The state minister also said there were allegations of irregularities and looting in the name of leasing out jute mills during the previous government' tenure. "We are looking into the matter, and action will be taken if any wrongdoing is found," he said.

Additional Secretary Subrata Shikdar, Joint Secretary Hafsa Begum, Chairman of Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation Kabir Uddin Shikdar, among others, were present.

Later, the state minister also visited Bangladesh Jute Mill located in Ghorashal under Palash upazila.