Bangladesh
• The process of industrialization and the growth of industrial capitalism in India was integrally connected with the
consolidation of British colonial rule and the transformation of India from a feudal into a colonial and semi-
feudal country.
• Industrial capitalism emerged and developed in India in conditions basically different from those in which it had
developed in the West. It arose in a dependent country, ruled by foreign power and so was unable to develop along
independent lies. Colonial rules transform the Indian economy into an appendage of the metropolitan economy.
• Secondly, unlike in Britain, industrial capitalism grew in this country not by beginning of 20th century Jamidars
like Monindra Chandra Nandi of Kashimbazar, Brajendra Kishor Roy Chowdhury of Mymensingh, Biprodas Paul
Chowdhury of Nadia, Taran Gobinda Chowdhury of Pabna and others invested in industrial enterprises.
• Pakistan period
• After the partition of Bengal in 1947, East Pakistan inherited a small share of industries of Bengal. East Pakistan got
none of 108 jute mills, 18 iron & steel mills and 16 paper mills of Bengal. Only 90 of Bengal’s 389 cotton mills,
10 of its 166 sugar mills and 3 of its 19 cement factories fell in the territory of East Pakistan. The cement factory
Chattak, Sylhet had to depend on limestone supplied from Ashaam, India. The cotton mills of East Pakistan had to
depend upon imported raw materials. The 1951 census revealed that East Pakistan had 63,234 unskilled non-
agricultural labourers, 115,480 skilled labourers engaged in manufacturing sectors, 184,535 mining and quarry
workers and 121,522 professional persons. The manufacturing sector comprising mainly of food, drink and tobacco
processing units employed a total 602,875 persons (4.67% of the total labour force), of whom 433,148 were involved
directly in production process and 172,727 in subsidiary activities. There were a total of 360,603 cottage enterprises
which employed 949,074 persons. Of the manufacturing units only about 200 of the enterprises used power.
About Industrialization of Bangladesh
• Bangladesh was born in the background of utter industrial backwardness. At the time of her birth she was so poor in
the field of industry that almost all the industry products that the required had to imported from abroad. Though she
holds the monopoly of jute, leather, and other raw materials she was obliged both to export jute to other countries
and buy from them finished goods made with her raw materials. This tragic position lasted for years together.
• To add to her difficulties, her population was entirely agricultural, inclined towards agriculture. Her wealthy people,
very few in numbers, were inclined towards commerce and had no idea about industry. Over and above that she
lacked those natural facilities which help the growth of industry. She has no coalfield, no iron mine, no oil deposit
and no natural source of power. And starting with many barriers and a few advantages, Bangladesh has amazed the
word by her industrial progress in less than twenty years.
• The Government of Bangladesh played an important role in the development of industries in this country. Right at
the beginning, it came forward and invited the wealthy people to invest money in industries under the protection and
patronage of the state. The industrial corporations undertook to organize a large number of important industries
where the investment is too heavy for private individuals. Some foreign capital was invited and given attractive
facilities.
• As a result of this brisk and all round effort for several years, Bangladesh can now boast of possessing a large
number of important industries. She has some jut mills, fertilizer, steel mills, textile mills, paper mills, machine tool
factory, electrical industries, several sugar mills, leather industries and cement factories, all of which are very big in
respect of size, production and investment, besides, hundreds of other smaller and mediocre industries that have
been set up in different parts of the country. Mention to be made of our garment industries earning huge foreign
exchanges and employing large number of unemployed, male and female.
• To solve the problem of power capacity of carnally hydroelectric project have been developed in addition to gas
power station set up in gohrashal and those are supplying cheap electricity throughout the whole of Bangladesh. Gas
is the most important aspect of our development of fuel. Natural gas is abundant in the eastern section of the
country. Many industries are run by gas. If properly exploited, thy can supply much power for industrial
• consumption.
Born in the midst of absolute vacuum. Bangladesh is going ahead speedily in the field of industrial progress. Her
speeds will immensely increases when all the sources of power will be properly utilized. And then the dream of her
people to build up their country as one of the prosperous states of the world will be realized in full.
Problems of Industrialization in Bangladesh
• Bangladesh is mainly an agricultural country. Agriculture has always been given priority and as a result
industries have been ignored. Recently some agro-based industries have been set up. There are some
reasons for which the country has lagged behind in heavy and medium-level industries.
• Lack of capital: Bangladesh being a poor country, people’s saving is very low. As saving is very poor,
investment is also very low. Again people’s per capita income is very low. So their consumption is also
very low. Consequently local market oriented industries are also very thin here.
• Weak investment base: due long colonial rule, economic discrimination and post-liberation
nationalization of industrialization, the growth of entrepreneurship has been slow in Bangladesh. Besides,
due to bureaucratic red-tapes and lack of investment climate, capital investment has not been developed
here.
• Poor Infrastructure: infrastructural facilities in our country are also poor. Power supply,
telecommunication, transport, gas, water supply etc. – all facilities are poor which have hindered process
of industrialization in Bangladesh.
• Technological know-how: Lack of technological know-how is also another reason of our industrial
backwardness.
• Lack of resources: Lack of raw materials and natural resources are also unfavorable for our
industrialization.
• Unskilled human resources: Though Bangladesh has a huge population, most of them are uneducated
and unskilled. Country lacks specialists, professionals and technologists which also hamper our
industrialization.
• Political instability and lack of proper govt. policy: A good govt. policy and political stability are
precondition for industrialization. Unfortunately political and instability has always been a common
phenomenon here. Besides, no govt. have planned or implemented an industry-oriented policy.
Industrialization Prospective of Bangladesh
• The vision is to build Bangladesh into a resilient, productive, innovative,
and prosperous nation withal caring society consisting of healthy, happy,
and well-educated people. It is built on the enduring attributes of self-
reliance, respect, tolerance, equity, and integrity. In line with
constitutional obligations and international human rights commitments,
society in 2021 shall be one in which (i)every citizen has equal
opportunities to achieve his/her fullest potential; (ii) all citizens enjoy
equality of life commensurate with the national development stage where
quality health care and adequate nutrition are assured for all; (iii) all
citizens are assured of a modern, sound, and relevant education tailored
to meet the human resource needs of a modern, progressive, and
technologically advancing nation; (iv) sustainable development is
ensured, along with optimal use of all resources; (v) there is respect for
the principles of democracy, rule of law, and human rights, ensuring
gender equality, the rights of indigenous populations and of all the other
disadvantaged people including persons with disability and autism; and
(vii) the diversity and creativity of all people are valued and nurtured.
Industrialization: Current scenario Industrialization: Policies