In Natore district, workers in the light engineering industry annually produce various machine parts worth around 1.25 billion taka. Despite lacking formal training and institutional education, these workers learn and manufacture machine parts in workshops.
Claiming that it can become a viable industry if necessary training and low-interest loans are obtained, stakeholders emphasized the need to take necessary steps through BSCIC and youth development for training and facilitating bank loans, according to the district administrator.
The workers in various light industries in Natore, working in workshops, lack formal education or vocational training. Without any formal institution, they learn and produce machine parts for mills, various vehicle components, and agricultural machinery.
Jahurul Islam, a worker at the Bangladesh Engineering Workshop, mentioned that although these machine parts are more expensive to purchase from different districts, they are now produced at a lower cost in Natore’s local workshops. In addition to producing machine parts, the workshops have become workplaces for around fifteen thousand workers, earning a monthly income ranging from 12,000 to 18,000 taka once they learn the trade.
Farid Hossain Bhuiya, the managing director of Natore Chinni Kal (Sugar Mill), stated that the workshops in Natore produce small machine parts. If they enhance their mechanical skills, they can produce many machine parts for Chinni Kal.
Shamim Hossain, the owner of a workshop, mentioned that despite having the capability to produce heavy machine parts, they lag due to financial difficulties.
Rafiqul Islam, the joint editor of the Natore district branch of the Bangladesh Engineering Owners Association, stated that although they annually produce machine parts worth nearly 1.25 billion takas in Natore, these institutions are facing economic difficulties. He asserted that establishing an advanced training facility and facilitating bank loans, along with the existing skilled labor force, could make it a viable industry.
Abu Nasr Bhuiyan, the deputy commissioner of Natore district, said that through BSCIC and youth development, necessary steps need to be taken to facilitate training for workers and make it easier for business owners to obtain bank loans.
In Natore district, there are around 5 workshops in approximately 7 upazilas involved in light engineering, producing these machine parts.
