Bangladesh, May 3 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday announced that all closed factories across the country will be reopened in phases, while steps are also underway to resume recruitment in overseas labour markets that have remained closed to Bangladeshi workers.

Speaking at a rally after inaugurating the re-excavation work of the Basia River in Kandigaon union under Sylhet Sadar upazila, PM said that within five to seven days of assuming office he had convened a meeting with Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and directed him to identify all shuttered factories and the reasons behind their closure.

"The government will gradually reopen these factories to create employment opportunities for unemployed people," the P...