Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 1, 2026 (BSS)- Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, has called 
for turning the traditional Rajshahi Sugar Mill (RSM) into a profitable 
institution again through proper maintenance, modernization and effective 
management.
 
At the same time, he demanded permanent employment for seasonal workers and a 
quick solution to the financial and medical crisis of retired workers.
 
He said these things while speaking as the chief guest at a sugarcane 
farmers' rally and the inauguration ceremony of the 2026-27 planting season 
at the RSM Training Complex this morning.
 
The sugarcane planting season was inaugurated simultaneously at all sugar 
mills in the country under the Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industry Corporation 
(BSFIC) via Zoom.
 
Lawmaker Shafiqul Haque Milon said the RSM is such an institution of the 
government that if managed properly, it is possible to make significant 
profit from it. 

But due to lack of proper maintenance and supervision, this important 
institution may face destruction.

The Sugar Mill is deeply intertwined with the heritage of Rajshahi. 
Therefore, along with preserving the heritage, all concerned must play a 
responsible role to make the mill profitable.
 
He further said seasonal workers are unable to make their jobs permanent even 
after working for years. Even after retirement, many workers are in extreme 
crisis without receiving their due provident fund money, dues and medical 
facilities. These problems of theirs need to be solved quickly.
 
The event was presided over by BSFIC Chairman Shamsuzzaman Suruj. Speeches 
were delivered by the organisation's Managing Director Masuma Akhter Jahan, 
Director (CDR) Abdul Alim and Chief (CPE) Dr. Jebun Nahar.
 
At the rally, sugarcane farmers demanded supply of improved varieties of 
sugarcane seeds and timely fertilizer, increase in the price of sugarcane, 
subsidies at the beginning of the season, and reduction of interest rates on 
agricultural loans.
 
They said that along with sugarcane, various companion crops including radish 
and onion can be cultivated on the same land. 
If the sugar mill is modernized, it will be possible to produce better 
quality sugar along with increased production. This will also benefit the 
farmers.