PRAN-RFL Group’s Barendra Rajshahi Textile Mill in Naodapara, Rajshahi, was visited by Sheikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Saturday afternoon, a press release said.

Rahat Hossain Rony, Chief Operating Officer (Footwear & Luggage) of PRAN-RFL Group, and Sharif Uddin Ahmad, Head of Administration of the factory, welcomed the State Minister upon his arrival. During the visit, he toured the bag and luggage production units of the factory.

The State Minister praised PRAN-RFL Group for transforming the long-closed state-owned mill into an environment-friendly and export-oriented industrial facility under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, while creating employment opportunities for a significant number of people within a short period. 

The State Minister said, “Under the direction of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, the government has taken initiatives to reopen closed mills and create employment opportunities. It is important to ensure environment-friendly production systems in these factories. PRAN-RFL Group is playing an important role in this regard.”

Rahat Hossain Rony said PRAN-RFL Group took over the closed factory in December 2024 and resumed operations in February 2025 after completing the necessary renovation work within three months. Currently, more than 2,500 people are employed in bag and luggage production at the factory. More production lines will be introduced gradually, creating employment opportunities for around 12,000 people.

He added that bags and luggage produced at the facility are being exported to various countries in the United States and Europe. The factory is transforming into a fully export-oriented green industrial park. He also said that, as part of this initiative, activities such as waterbody conservation, tree plantation, and the installation of solar power systems are currently underway.

During the visit, officials from the local administration and senior officials of PRAN-RFL Group were also present.