M Ziaul Haque Jewel
Fortune Group, a leading shoe manufacturer in Bangladesh, has announced plans to create 50,000 new job opportunities in the developing Barishal division, if the export oriented company provided with a favorable business environment.
The company, which established its first state-of-the-art shoe factory in Barishal’s BSCIC industrial area in 2012, has since become a beacon of success, exporting quality footwear to markets across the globe.
However, the company’s expansion in Barishal has faced challenges in recent years, particularly during the last government tenure.
Mizanur Rahman, Chairman of Fortune Group and owner of the Fortune Barishal Cricket Team in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), highlighted the company’s struggles during the previous administration.
“We had to halt operations in Barishal due to false accusations and cases filed by supporters of the former mayor of Barishal City Corporation, Sadik Abdullah,”
He continued, “This forced us to set up new factories in Dhaka instead of Barishal, missing out on creating thousands of jobs in the division.”
Fortune Group now operates three factories in Dhaka and Gazipur, told Mizanur Rahman emphasizing that, if these factories were built in Barisal, at least five thousand local residents would be employed.
“It’s well known in the BSCIC that Sadik Abdullah used his influence to undermine our operations in Barishal,” Rahman added, noting that he continues to face legal challenges, including accusations of being a Jamat activist, despite having no involvement.
Despite the challenges, Fortune Group remains committed to its roots in Barishal, where around 3,000 people currently earn their livelihoods working in the company’s factories. Workers have expressed their gratitude for the local employment opportunities provided by the company, which allow them to support their families without relocating.
“It’s a relief to work close to home,” said Shahida Akter, a worker at Fortune Shoes.
“When I worked in Dhaka, most of my salary went toward living expenses. Now, I can save a little after meeting all my needs”, she added.
Jahangir Hossain, the deputy general manager of Fortune Shoes, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Being able to stay near my home to care for my ill mother while earning a decent salary has been a blessing.”
The positive impact of Fortune Group’s presence in the BSCIC industrial area has also been recognized by local entrepreneurs.
Jamal Hossain, owner of Jim Food Products, noted, “Fortune has brought significant recognition to the BSCIC in Barishal, with all its products being exported to international markets.”
Mizanur Rahman has expressed a strong desire to further expand operations in Barishal, including plans for new factories that could create thousands of additional jobs.
“I have plots in the Jhalakathi BSCIC area where I could establish factories capable of employing at least 5,000 people,” he stated, emphasizing the need for support from various stakeholders to realize this vision.
In response to Mizanur Rahman’s plans, Arifur Rahman, Deputy General Manager of Barishal BSCIC, welcomed the prospect of new employment opportunities.
“We appreciate the efforts of Fortune Group to expand and create more jobs. They have the capacity to grow, and we are ready to support them in establishing new factories in the BSCIC,” said Arifur Rahman.