Business of the companies in Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park located in Jessore is seriously at risk. Most of the companies are already counting losses. Besides, the pressure of rent and electricity bills is increasing, the workers are at risk of retrenchment. Those concerned believe, such a situation created due to economic recession and political instability.
About 40 businesses are now active in the park established in Nazir Shankarpur area on the eastern edge of the city. They are mainly involved in IT and IT related businesses such as software, digital marketing, ISP, graphics, e-commerce, call center and skilled manpower. The compound also has a dormitory (now a hotel and resort) and cafeteria, several conference and meeting rooms.
It was found, the owners of the companies are disappointed and worried about the state of business. Engineer Md Shahjalal, the managing director of the company Technosoft Global Limited, who also serves as the general secretary of the entrepreneurs' organization, said, we are not getting any new orders for software. The companies that take our services are also not able to make regular payments. As a result, the company's income has collapsed.
Meanwhile, the Software Technology Park has an establishment called 'Toni's Cafe', where the employees of the park take food. Various social and business events are also organized there. But Tony's Cafe has been closed for a week. Md Ismail Al-Azam, the manager of the company's operations, said that their rent is due for about 10 lakh taka. Because of this, Techcity Bangladesh Limited (the private commercial organization responsible for the maintenance of the park) has locked Tony's Cafe last week.
He said that in recent times they were running the institution with subsidies. But it is not possible to continue now as the social and business events have completely reduced. He expressed regret that the employees of the organization lost their jobs. On the other hand, the US-based company 'Khan Properties' tried to lease the 12-storey dormitory contract from Techcity a year ago and set it up as a 'hotel and resort'.
Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park Investors Association President, Ahsan Kabir acknowledged the severe deterioration of institutions’ economic condition. He said, several companies have already reduced manpower. But it is not possible to dismiss skilled workers. There is shortage of required skilled manpower right from the start. The rent, electricity bill burden of the companies is increasing. In the overall situation, I fear that more companies may lose business and leave the park.
ARS
