Do not affect environment during industrialisation: Abdul Hamid

President M Abdul Hamid has urged the country's entrepreneurs to build eco-friendly industries ensuring the use of modern technology.

"Entrepreneurs of various industries should come forward with innovative thinking to invest with the use of the latest technology," he said in a video message while speaking as the chief guest at a ceremony organised to distribute the "President's Industrial Development Award-2019" at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Thursday.

Planning Minister MA Mannan, Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, and State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Majumder handed over the awards, divided in six categories, to representatives of 19 companies.

Addressing the award-winning entrepreneurs, Abdul Hamid said, "You are being rewarded in recognition of your significant contribution to the establishment of quality industries, production of goods, creation of employment and increase in national income. After getting this award, the nation's expectations of you have increased a lot."

"You will be a pioneer for others in creating new trends in quality industrialisation and creating new entrepreneurs. More skilled and young entrepreneurs will be created in the country following your success. They will turn Bangladesh into an industrialised country by engaging themselves in the trend of environmentally friendly industrialisation," the president added.

"The government is working to create 100 economic zones for domestic and foreign investors, aiming to create employment opportunities for 10 million people and targeting an additional $40 billion export earnings.

"Many of these economic zones are being allocated among private entrepreneurs. For setting up industry in the economic zones, the domestic and foreign investors will enjoy various incentives including tax rebates.

The present government has taken various initiatives to expand industrialisation, trade and investment in Bangladesh in the last one decade, said the president.

Speaking as the special guest at the vent, Planning Minister MA Mannan said, "We are not spared from the climate change challenges. We have to ensure that our environment is protected during the evolution of industry. We must take care that our next generation gets a beautiful Bangladesh. The government hopes that the entrepreneurs will ensure the welfare of the workers and a decent environment for them. 

Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun said further development of the private sector is needed to achieve the desired goal of becoming a developed country. The industries ministry is providing patronage and policy support to the private sector, recognising their contribution to national economic progress.

Golam Murshed, managing director of award-winning Walton Hi-Tech Industries Limited, said the economic liberation that Bangabandhu dreamed of is not far away. The private sector will continue its efforts to implement the government's plan to become a developed country by 2041.

Md Parvez Rahman, managing director of BRB Cable Industries Ltd, said besides honouring the entrepreneurs, such awards strengthen their morale and encourage them to adopt new plans. We need the continued support and patronage of the government to realise our dream of producing more world-class products.

Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana presided over the function. The Ministry of Industry has given this award for the fifth time. Each of the awardees was given a crest and a certificate.

19 industrial units get the award

BRB Cable Industries Ltd and British American Tobacco Bangladesh Company jointly secured the 1st place in the category of large industries while Mir Ceramic Ltd and Jaber & Jobayer Fabrics Ltd secured the 2nd and 3rd places consecutively.

Bengal Polymer Wares Ltd and Noman Terry Towel Mills Ltd secured 1st and 2nd place respectively in the medium industry category. Auko-tex Ltd and Crimson Rosella Sea Jude Ltd stood 3rd jointly.

In the small industry category, Promi Agro Foods Ltd came 1st. Madhobdi Dyeing Finishing Mills Ltd came 2nd, and APS Holding Ltd came 3rd.

On the other hand, in the micro-industry category, Moscow Dairy Enterprise became 1st, Khan Bakelite Products 2nd, and Raven Agro Chemicals became 3rd.

CORR-The Loot Works became 1st in the cottage industry category, and Samsunnahar Textile Mills became 2nd.

In the hi-tech industry category, Walton Hi-Tech Industries Ling came 1st, Information Technology Consultants Ltd came 2nd, and Summit Communications Ltd came 3rd.

The industries ministry had to postpone the event last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

To encourage entrepreneurship and creativity in the private sector, the "Guidelines for Awarding the President's Industrial Development Award 2013" was formed in 2013.

Then in 2015, for the first time, the best 12 industrial entrepreneurs were awarded the "President's Award for Industrial Development."

Following the trend, the ministry of industries presented the 2019 award for the fifth time.