By Dr Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, May 21, 2023 (BSS)- Many people have got employment scopes as a
result of generating job opportunities in diversified fields in the city and
its outskirts during the last couple of years.
 
Scores of multistory buildings, including high-rises, have been constructed
in the city during the recent past. Whereas, there was only one 10-storey
building adjacent to the C&B crossing before 2009.

Actually, a silent revolution has happened in this field at present infusing
dynamism into the local economy besides improving living and livelihood
conditions of the public in general.

Engineer Abul Kalam Azad, authorized officer of Rajshahi Development
Authority (RDA), said more than 100 high-rise buildings were constructed and
works on many others are progressing fast at present.

He also said each of the construction schemes generated either permanent or
temporary job opportunities for many people, including the educated ones.

After 2009, employment and financial transactions have been increased to a
greater extent in the fields of tiles industries, electronics fittings and
other relevant materials centering the construction sector.

In addition to generating more entrepreneurs the ventures have expanded trade
and business significantly, vibrating the socio-economic conditions.

Masudur Rahman, president of Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industries
(RCCI), said visible and qualitative changes have been attained in the field
of generating employment through boosting the number of entrepreneurs
together with creating an investment atmosphere during the last five years.

Investment from both internal and external has been mounted. Showrooms
belonging to various famous brands were established.
 
The under-constructed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-tech Park has started
becoming an employment hub for youths creating enthusiasm among the young
generation.
 
At present, around 400 youths are engaged in various works, including
software development, site maintenance of famous companies and file works as
per demand from abroad, generating working atmospheres in the park.

Afroza Arbi Tusi, who is working in Fleet Bangladesh, said she has got
chances of developing her career living in Rajshahi with her family members.

"I was very much anxious about developing my career during university life
and always thought about going to Dhaka for career development," she said
while talking to BSS here on Wednesday.
 
Bangabandhu Hi-tech Park has become a blessing for her as it has created
scopes of building careers for many youths interested in the IT sector, she
added.
 
'Tech Rajshahi' has been working to deliver services related to mobile games
and other software.
 
Mahfuzur Rahman, chief executive of the organisation, said they have 142
workers and 28 of them are working in the hi-tech park.
 
He said the location of the park along with its modern facilities has
enhanced the brand value of his institution.
 
Chief Executive Officer of 'MD Info' Monzurul Murshed said they have got
spaces in Joy Silicon Tower and Sheikh Kamal IT Training and Incubation
Building.
 
They have around 1,000 workers and 150 of them are working in the office as
95 percent of the workers are the residents of Rajshahi, he said.

He also said the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC)
has created scopes of generating 10,000 more employment as development of
another industrial estate has almost been completed under a project titled
"Rajshahi BSCIC Industrial Estate-2" involving around Taka 172 crore.
 
The estate has been developed on 50 acres of land at Parila Kechuatoil,
Uzirpukur and Lalitahar areas at Paba upazila that will also help flourish
the industrial sector in the city and its outskirts.

Under the project, 296 plots were created for accommodating 250 industrial
units coupled with generating employment opportunities.
 
The industrial plots were developed considering the country's socio-economic
condition and future necessity as the entrepreneurs are expanding the SME
gradually in the region.
 
There are three types of plots. The number of A-type industrial units is 83
having 6,000 square feet each while 89 units are B-type with 4,500 square
feet each and the remaining plots are S-type with the size of 3,500-8,000
square feet.
 
All sorts of necessary facilities for industrial units including roads,
drains, culverts, water, gas and power supply, boundary wall, pump house,
office and water reservoir will be ensured before handing over the plots to
the entrepreneurs.

Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation and Presidium Member of Bangladesh Awami
League AHM Khairuzzaman Liton said they have implemented diversified
development projects during the last five years.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-tech Park has been built on around 31 acres of
land in Nabinagar area adjacent to Rajshahi metropolis aimed at establishing
knowledge-based IT industries together with ensuring an area-based
development.
 
Mayor Liton, who is also the Presidium Member of Bangladesh Awami League,
said Bangladesh Hi-tech Park Authority is implementing the Taka 335.51-crore
project initiated by the Information and Communication Technology Division.
 
Employment opportunities for around 14,000 youths both male and female will
be created upon successful completion of the project by this year end.