Ensure that waste of your industries doesn’t go to rivers: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked all concerned to construct environment-friendly industries to save the country and its people from the adverse impact of climate change.

“Wherever you build industry, you have to keep in mind that the waste of your industries doesn’t go to the rivers and water. Keep a special eye to ensure that the waste doesn’t pollute the water and the soil,” she added.

The prime minister made the appeal while inaugurating the seven-day 11th National Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Fair at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) at Agargaon here on Sunday (May 19) morning.

“We have to construct industries. But all have to build industrial waste management system. I request you all that don’t ruin the country and yourself to save few money of chemical (to be used in waste management system),” Sheikh Hasina said.

She said they want industrialisation to be environment friendly and for that, the country’s industrialisation must have to be planned and worthy for health.

Sheikh Hasina called upon all to pay attention so that the country isn’t incurred losses by adverse impact of the climate change due to any negligence.

Apart from this, she asked the industrialists to ensure proper work environment and safety for workers alongside upgrading their livelihoods aimed at increasing industrial production.

The fair will continue till May 25 under the aegis of the SME Foundation as it will be opened for visitors from 10 am to 9 pm daily.

More than 300 entrepreneurs are taking part in the fair as almost 60 percent participants are women entrepreneurs.

The SME fair will showcase 100 per cent local products. More than three hundred and fifty companies will participate in this year’s fair.

At the same function, the prime minister handed over the National SME Award-2023 to seven small, medium and start-up entrepreneurs that includes crest and accreditation certificate.

Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun, its Senior Secretary Zakia Sultana, President of FBCCI Mahbubul Alam and SME Foundation Chairman Dr Md Masudur Rahman spoke at the function.

Of the award recipients, Swapna Rani Sen expressed her feelings on winning the National SME Award -2023.

This year, a largest number of 75 participants from the garment sector will participate in the fair. Besides, 42 participants will showcase jute products, 38 to present handicrafts, 32 to display leather products and 27 to showcase processed agricultural products.

Moreover, 23 will display light engineering products, 14 to present food products, 13 to display IT-based services as 12 SME cluster entrepreneurs will take part in the fair from different parts of the country, 5 participants will showcase herbal industry products and 5 more will display jewellery products.

Four stalls will display plastic products, 3 to showcase electrical and electronics items, 3 to present furniture items and 19 others will display various government organizations products.