In the bustling Sarojganj Bazar of Chuadanga, a small factory hums with purpose, churning out machines that are transforming Bangladesh’s agricultural landscape. This is Janata Engineering, a beacon of innovation founded by Md Oli Ullah, affectionately known as Oli Hujur for his clergy-like appearance. Once a destitute day labourer, Oli Ullah has risen from the ashes of loss to build an empire that generates Tk 45-50 crore annually. His dream to export “Made in Bangladesh” agricultural machinery comes true as countries like Zimbabwe, Nepal, and Bhutan are about to strike deals to import his machines.
A life rebuilt from the ground up
Born in Debidwar of Cumilla, Oli Ullah’s life took a devastating turn in 1988 when river erosion claimed his home and family.
At just 24, he arrived in Chuadanga with nothing but grit. Starting as a daily wage labourer, he took on any work available, from manual labour to odd jobs.
His fortunes began to shift when he landed a role as an assistant in a machinery repair shop in Sarojganj Bazar.
There, he honed his skills, mastering the art of repairing and crafting machine parts.
Four years later, armed with a meagre amount of Tk 4,000 and a dream, Oli Ullah founded Janata Engineering.
What began as a modest workshop has grown into a powerhouse producing 40 types of modern agricultural machinery, from thresher machines to combined harvesters, seed sowers, and potato harvesters.
His combined harvesters, built with indigenous technology, are affordable – priced at Tk 7-9 lakh compared to foreign models costing Tk 12-28 lakh – making advanced tools accessible to everyday farmers.
Janata Engineering: Empowering farmers and workers
Today, Janata Engineering employs over 100 workers, many of whom were once day labourers or lacked formal education. Through hands-on training, they’ve become skilled artisans.
The company also champions gender inclusion, employing women in its workforce. With 50+ dealers nationwide, Janata Engineering supports thousands of jobs, creating a ripple effect of opportunity.
Oli Ullah’s vision extends beyond production. His Janata Resource-Training and Service Center, supported by government aid, has trained thousands through over 200 workshops. At least 150 of his trainees now run their own agricultural machinery businesses across regions like Kushtia, Jhenaidah, Meherpur, and Jessore.
Sohag Hossain, a trainee from Patharghata of Barguna, shared, “I’m learning to operate and repair agricultural machinery here. I want to bring these skills back to my village and boost farming.”
Another trainee, Md Tamim, added, “We’re educated but jobless. This training is our path to entrepreneurship, to modernise agriculture.”
Innovation with impact
Oli Ullah’s breakthrough came in 2010 with his paddle thresher, which gained traction with support from the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BIRI), and funding from USAID and the International Maize and Wheat Development Center (CIMIT). This collaboration elevated Janata Engineering to new heights, enabling the production of cutting-edge, cost-effective machinery.
Farmers like Mahbubur Rahman from Qutubpur Union praise Oli Ullah’s machines: “I bought a seeder, reaper, and drum thresher. They’re affordable, high-quality, and Oli Hujur personally ensures repairs.”
Milon Mia, who now runs Mim Engineering Workshop, credits his success to Oli Ullah: “I learned everything at Janata Engineering. Now, I have my own factory.”
A trophy case of triumph
Oli Ullah’s office is a gallery of accolades. In 2023, he was named the Best Small Entrepreneur of the Year by the SME Foundation.
In 2024, the government honoured him as an Agricultural Important Person (AIP) for his transformative contributions to agriculture. These awards reflect his relentless drive and impact.
Dreaming big: A self-sufficient future
Janata Engineering operates two factories, with a third, fully automated facility under construction. Oli Ullah’s ultimate goal? To manufacture 100 per cent locally sourced machine parts, slashing costs and delivering advanced technology to farmers. He’s already sent machine samples to Zimbabwe, Nepal, and Bhutan, with plans for full-scale exports stamped “Made in Bangladesh.”
In a conversation with Jago News, Oli Ullah reflected, “I was a daily wage labourer, broken by river erosion. I never imagined being called an entrepreneur. With just Tk 4,000 and a passion for machinery, I built Janata Engineering. My dream is a Bangladesh that doesn’t look abroad for agricultural solutions. We’re crafting machines with local tech and building an automated factory to make them even more affordable.”
Assistant Engineer Sajeeb Hossain noted, “We produce 40 types of machinery and parts, in high demand nationwide. Farmers rely on our tools to boost productivity.”
Ms Shahnaz Begum, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Marketing, Khulna Division, added, “Oli Ullah’s journey shows what hard work can achieve. His work is paving the way for a new era in agricultural technology.”
The legacy of Oli Ullah
From a penniless labourer to a national icon, Oli Ullah’s story is a testament to resilience and vision. His machines are sowing seeds of progress, his training programmes are cultivating skilled entrepreneurs, and his dreams are powering a self-reliant Bangladesh.
As Janata Engineering gears up to conquer international markets, Oli Ullah stands as a symbol of hope, proving that from the humblest beginnings, extraordinary legacies are born.