News Flash
KHULNA, Feb 18, 2026 (BSS) - Newly elected lawmaker Rokibul Islam Bakul has pledged to revive the long-struggling industrial sector of Khulna by reopening closed mills and factories and establishing a modern industrial hub to create employment and boost economic growth.
Bakul, a candidate of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), was elected from Khulna-3 constituency in the February 12 parliamentary election with 74,845 votes.
His nearest rival, Mahfuzur Rahman of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, secured 66,010 votes, while Bakul won the seat with a margin of 8,835 votes.
Talking to BSS on Monday night, Bakul said the closure of state-owned jute mills and other industrial units had severely impacted Khulna's economy, leading to widespread unemployment.
He said there was no alternative to planned and modern industrialisation to address the region's primary challenge of job creation.
Reopening shuttered mills, particularly jute factories, and modernising them with advanced technology would be among his top priorities, he added.
The lawmaker also announced plans to establish a state-of-the-art industrial city similar to an export processing zone (EPZ) to attract both local and foreign investors.
He said the initiative would help restore the industrial legacy of Khalishpur and Daulatpur, once regarded as the backbone of Khulna's manufacturing sector.
Bakul highlighted Khulna's strategic location and its proximity to Mongla Port as key advantages for expanding trade and industrial investment.
He expressed optimism that an investor-friendly environment could transform Khulna into a vibrant economic centre and uplift the socio-economic condition of the entire south-western region.
The BNP leader said he would work for people of all political affiliations and communities in Khan Jahan Ali Thana and surrounding areas.
Referring to the political vision of Tarique Rahman, Bakul said he was committed to fostering unity and constructive engagement, welcoming criticism and suggestions for the greater development of Khulna.
Besides industrial revival, he outlined plans to upgrade Government B L College into a university, establish specialised modern healthcare facilities and set up technical institutes to equip youths with job-oriented skills.
He also stressed the need to ensure a drug, crime and extortion-free environment to create a business-friendly climate necessary for sustainable industrial growth.
"Our goal is to restore Khulna's lost industrial glory and generate long-term employment opportunities for the youth," he added.
