Published date:14 October 2026

By Muhammad Osman Goni, Rangunia (Chattogram) Correspondent

Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan and State Minister Ishraq Hossain have inspected the abandoned factory and premises of Eastern Chemical Industries Limited, an enterprise under the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust, in Rangunia, Chattogram.

The visit aimed to assess the possibilities of utilizing the long-neglected state-owned property, undertaking new projects and creating employment opportunities for local residents.

The ministers inspected the facility on Tuesday afternoon, October 13, and spoke to journalists afterward. During the briefing, the Liberation War Affairs Minister said the government was placing importance on ensuring the proper use of state-owned properties that had remained unused for years. He added that discussions would be held to determine how the approximately 10-acre site belonging to Eastern Chemical could be utilized for the benefit of the country and the local community.

Minister Ahmed Azam Khan said that during the previous period of misrule, there had been what he described as a conspiracy to weaken the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs by leaving its assets abandoned or selling them off.

He stated that the government had taken initiatives to move away from that situation since assuming office.

According to the minister, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had issued clear instructions to ensure that all government facilities and properties were brought under proper use. The government, he said, was working to implement that directive and make effective use of state-owned assets.

The minister further said that, as an elected democratic government, the administration was committed to ensuring the proper utilization of properties owned by the Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust and other assets under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.

He noted that leaving the approximately 10-acre Eastern Chemical site unused for an extended period had caused significant losses to the state in terms of its economic potential. He stressed that the government would not allow such losses to continue and would explore ways to bring unused properties into productive use.

“ Our objective is to develop a new project on this 10-acre site that can contribute to the state and create employment opportunities for local people. After returning to Dhaka, we will hold discussions and decide on the option that would be most beneficial for the area,” the minister said.

He explained that the condition of the factory, the current use of the land and the feasibility of establishing a new project would be considered before any decision was made. He added that the government would prioritize initiatives that protect state interests while delivering benefits to the local community.

State Minister Ishraq Hossain said the authorities were examining how the abandoned land and factory of Eastern Chemical could be brought back into productive use through a suitable project.

He noted that putting the long-unused property to effective use could help ensure better management of state assets and potentially contribute to positive economic changes at the local level.

The state minister also said that during their two-day visit to Chattogram, they would inspect other properties belonging to the Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust. The condition of those assets would be assessed to explore opportunities for utilizing them for public welfare and productive economic activities.

He added that the authorities needed to develop practical plans for the trust's various properties based on their actual conditions. Discussions with the relevant institutions and administrative officials would help determine which initiatives were feasible.

Creating employment opportunities for local residents is one of the key considerations behind the proposed initiative. If the abandoned industrial facility in Rangunia can be reopened or converted into a suitable project, it could potentially expand local economic activities.

Such an initiative may also create opportunities for employment, support the growth of local businesses and increase income-generating activities for residents. However, no final decision has yet been announced regarding the specific type of project that could be implemented on the Eastern Chemical site.

The inspection forms part of the government's stated efforts to improve the management and utilization of state-owned properties that have remained unused for long periods. Assessing the condition of the land and buildings, examining the feasibility of potential projects and reviewing the relevant administrative and financial considerations are expected to be important steps before any further decision is taken.

The feasibility of implementation, the protection of state interests and the potential benefits for local residents are likely to be important considerations in determining the future use of the property.

Those present during the inspection included Rangunia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Nazmul Hasan, the managing director of the Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust, an additional secretary of the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, officials from the local administration and other relevant individuals.

SM Murad Chowdhury, general secretary of the Chattogram North District Jubo Dal, and Idrich Mia Member, member-secretary of the Rangunia Upazila Muktijoddha Dal, were also present along with other local political leaders.

Earlier, Minister Ahmed Azam Khan and State Minister Ishraq Hossain paid tribute at the first burial site of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in Zia Nagar, Rangunia.

They also held an exchange of views with trainees at the Rehabilitation Centre for Orphaned and Destitute Children located within the Shaheed Zia Complex.

Md. Chhanullah, deputy superintendent of the training centre, was present during the interaction. As part of their Chattogram visit, the ministers also learned about the activities of the rehabilitation centre while inspecting properties associated with the Freedom Fighters Welfare Trust.

The government's next decision regarding the abandoned Eastern Chemical Industries Limited factory and its land in Rangunia will be important in determining the site's future. If a new project is approved following consultations with the relevant authorities, it could help improve the utilization of state-owned assets and create potential employment opportunities for local residents.

However, no final official announcement has yet been made confirming whether the factory will resume operations or what type of project will be implemented at the site.