Experts Advocate Strengthening Backward Linkages for Bangladesh's Industrial and Agricultural Development

What's Happening?

Bangladesh faces challenges in industrial and agricultural development due to weak backward linkages and a lack of automation, according to experts. Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin highlighted the country's loss of manufacturing diversity since independence, citing an 'anti-manufacturing bias.' Despite producing numerous motorcycles, Bangladesh cannot manufacture engines, and its agriculture relies on outdated machinery. Bashiruddin emphasized the need for a clear industrial model and standardization to boost industrial capacity. BCI President Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury stressed the importance of backward linkages for self-sufficiency in food production and job creation. He noted the unemployment issue, with over 2.6 million jobless, and the limited potential of the RMG sector. Chowdhury advocated for a shift towards manufacturing, particularly light engineering, as a future growth area. The seminar also discussed Bangladesh's economic reliance on agriculture, RMG, and remittances, and the need to capture emerging global markets in farm machinery and auto spare parts.

Why It's Important?

Strengthening backward linkages and embracing automation are crucial for Bangladesh to enhance its industrial and agricultural sectors. This development could lead to increased self-sufficiency in food production and job creation, addressing the country's unemployment challenge. The focus on manufacturing, particularly light engineering, could diversify the economy beyond its current reliance on agriculture, RMG, and remittances. Capturing emerging global markets in farm machinery and auto spare parts presents significant economic opportunities. Coordinated action from government and private stakeholders is essential to identify problems and create opportunities, benefiting future generations. A national economic vision built on consensus, beyond political differences, is urgently needed to drive growth.

What's Next?

A proposal to establish an economic zone for agricultural products is under review, which could bolster Bangladesh's agricultural sector. Runner Automobiles PLC Chairman Hafizur Rahman Khan emphasized the need for policies supporting 'Made in Bangladesh' products for domestic and export markets. The Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) Executive Chairman Hossein Zillur Rahman warned that remittances and garments can no longer drive growth, advocating for agriculture, SMEs, and technology-driven businesses as new economic engines. Bangladesh must position itself to capture emerging global markets and develop a national economic vision to drive future growth.

Beyond the Headlines

The emphasis on backward linkages and automation highlights the need for Bangladesh to modernize its industrial and agricultural sectors. This shift could lead to ethical and cultural changes, as traditional practices are replaced by technology-driven methods. The focus on manufacturing and light engineering could trigger long-term economic shifts, reducing reliance on low-wage sectors like RMG. Developing a national economic vision built on consensus could foster political stability and drive sustainable growth, benefiting future generations.