Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir visited the country’s first beet sugar mill at Ramganj Bilashi Char in Panchagarh this afternoon. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 9, 2026 (BSS) - Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir today said the country’s first beet sugar mill has opened up new prospects in agro-based industries, assuring that the government would provide necessary support to expand such innovative initiatives.

“This is not merely a theoretical concept; it is a promising initiative that has already been successfully implemented in practice,” he said while visiting the country’s first beet sugar mill at Ramganj Bilashi Char in the Teesta riverbank area under Debiganj upazila in Panchagarh this afternoon.

Addressing a discussion meeting after the visit as the chief guest, the minister said the initiative, ranging from molasses production to preparations for modern sugar manufacturing, presents an encouraging model for the country’s agro-industrial sector.

He stressed the need to bring services related to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) certification online to resolve procedural complications and facilitate entrepreneurs. The minister also said the government would consider establishing branch offices in nearby areas, if necessary, to ensure easier access to services, said a press release.

Muktadir said the government would work to reduce cargo transportation and export costs to help Bangladeshi products remain competitive in the global market.

He further said discussions are underway on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and South Korea, which, if implemented, would create new opportunities for the country’s export sector.

The minister said a coordination meeting involving the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant stakeholders would be held to explore the prospects of beet sugar production. He also assured entrepreneurs of necessary assistance, including loans, if required.

Entrepreneur Md Abdus Salam said the Rangpur division is the most suitable region for sugar beet cultivation due to favourable land elevation and prolonged winter conditions. He said experimental cultivation of sugar beet has been underway in different districts since 2013 and has yielded encouraging results.

He expressed optimism that sugar production from the beet sugar mill would begin in 2027.

According to him, the factory is expected to produce annually around 45,000 tons of sugar, 4.8 million cubic metres of gas, 45,000 tons of organic fertiliser and 30,000 tons of animal feed.

Salam also urged the government to facilitate EPB certification, conclude a trade agreement with South Korea and introduce cargo flights from northern Bangladesh to support exports.

Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman and Panchagarh Deputy Commissioner Mst. Shukria Begum also spoke at the programme.

Local public representatives, government officials, entrepreneurs and farmer representatives, among others, were present.