The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has selected 11 promising economic zones – eight government-funded and three under government-to-government (G2G) agreements – to attract more local and foreign investment and drive economic growth.
“After thoroughly assessing various economic zones based on key parameters, BEZA has shortlisted 11 with the highest potential to bring in more investment from home and abroad,” a senior BEZA official told the media on Thursday.
The official explained that the selection also ensures representation from different divisions across the country.
“These 11 zones have been chosen strategically, with a strong focus on the Dhaka-Chattogram industrial corridor. Three of them will be developed under G2G partnerships, while the remaining ones will be managed by BEZA,” the official added.
The eight government-funded economic zones include the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ), which brings together the Mirsarai, Feni, and Sitakunda economic zones in Chattogram. Others on the list are Sabrang Tourism Park in Chattogram, Moheshkhali Economic Zone-3 in Dhalghata (Cox’s Bazar), Shreehatta Economic Zone in Sylhet, Jamalpur Economic Zone, Pabna Economic Zone, Agoiljhara Economic Zone, and Panchagarh Economic Zone.
The three G2G-funded zones are Araihazar Economic Zone and Araihazar Economic Zone-2 in Narayanganj, along with Kushtia Economic Zone.
“The final list was drawn up after multiple rounds of discussions and careful assessment,” the official said.
Officials shared that BEZA’s evaluation process considered factors like supply-side planning, infrastructure readiness, and development mechanisms.
“These economic zones will cater to industries such as agro-processing, textiles and RMG, electrical and electronics, automobiles, and light engineering. The most essential infrastructure requirements include power distribution, water and gas supply, drainage, road networks, and telecommunications,” they added.
At the same time, BEZA is rolling out a three-phase master plan to develop 20 economic zones across the country, aiming to boost industrialisation, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
The draft “National Master Plan of Economic Zones” sets a goal of establishing 20 economic zones by 2046 to attract both local and international investment.
Currently being developed with World Bank financing, the master plan follows a phased approach to address challenges like land acquisition, infrastructure development, and investor confidence.
In the first phase (FY25-FY30), eight economic zones will be prioritised as they are already in advanced development or planning stages. The second phase (FY30-FY35) will see the development of five more zones, while the final phase (FY36-FY46) will bring the remaining seven zones into operation.
National Special Economic Zone Project Director Abdullah Al Mahmud Faruk noted that these 11 high-potential economic zones will play a key role in bringing in more foreign and local investment, strengthening Bangladesh’s economic future.
BEZA has already begun work on off-site infrastructure for these zones and has prepared a master plan, development project proposals (DPPs), and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs), he added.
“Our plan is to roll out 20 economic zones in three phases, ensuring short-, medium-, and long-term industrial growth and job creation,” he further explained.
At a recent workshop, BEZA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury emphasised that BEZA is not just building economic zones—it is shaping the future of Bangladesh’s economy.
“We need to create more jobs, grow our economy, and make Bangladesh even stronger. Let’s work together for a better future,” he said.
The National Master Plan was developed with input from nearly 100 stakeholders, including public and private sector experts, developers, investors, business associations, chambers of commerce, and government officials, BEZA stated.
Despite BEZA’s ambitious industrialisation plan, only 10 economic zones have become operational since the initiative kicked off in 2015.
Among these, two – NSEZ in Chattogram and Sreehatta Economic Zone in Sylhet – are government-funded, while the other eight are privately managed.
The private economic zones currently in operation include City Economic Zone, Meghna Industrial Economic Zone, Meghna Economic Zone, Hoshendi Economic Zone, Abdul Monem Economic Zone, Bay Economic Zone, Aman Economic Zone, and East West Economic Zone.
These 10 zones collectively employ around 60,000 people, with 7,000 working in government-run zones and 53,000 in private ones, according to BEZA data. In FY23, the zones produced goods worth $14.47 billion.
Courtesy: Daily Sun.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
