The government plans to establish the Kushtia Economic Zone to attract foreign and local investment in automobile manufacturing, ready-made garments (RMG), and leather industries – an initiative aimed at driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing exports while reducing regional disparities.
The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) will develop the zone on 420 acres in Bheramara, Kushtia, with an estimated cost of Tk6,840.19 crore to Tk7,168.79 crore. Most funds will go towards infrastructure, including Tk6,572.79 crore for road networks, Tk11.61 crore for water supply, Tk103.4 crore to Tk432 crore for gas supply, Tk62.4 crore for power distribution, and Tk2.06 crore for telecommunications, according to BEZA.
A senior BEZA official confirmed the project will follow a government-to-government (G2G) model, with negotiations underway to attract foreign investment and boost regional economic growth.
BEZA is developing economic zones nationwide, particularly in underdeveloped areas, to diversify industries, generate employment, and stimulate rapid economic progress. It also functions as a promoter and service provider, ensuring sustainable industrial growth and an improved quality of life through internationally standardised economic zones.
With a strong labour force in the region, the Kushtia Economic Zone aims to address unemployment and spur economic activity. In 2022, Mokarimpur and Bahirchar unions had a combined population of 277,589, with 67.1% aged between 15 and 59.
Environmental screening
BEZA’s environmental assessment reveals that the proposed economic zone spans three bio-ecological zones and is categorised under low-risk Earthquake Zone-II. Monsoon rainfall ranges between 109 mm and 551 mm, with periodic flooding and waterlogging due to poor drainage. Additionally, noise pollution exceeds permissible limits at night, dissolved oxygen (DO) levels are low, and groundwater serves as the primary water source in the dry season. However, air quality remains within acceptable standards.
Power distribution
The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) has already set up two 33/11 KV distribution substations (Bheramara 1 & 2) to ensure a stable power supply. BEZA has proposed the construction of a 33 KV double-circuit line from the GK Grid Substation to the economic zone instead of implementing a 132 KV Grid Substation. Further recommendations include the establishment of two additional 33/11 KV substations with a capacity of 30 MVA each.
Road network
The economic zone will benefit from five key roadways and national highways, as well as railway and airway connectivity. BEZA’s proposal includes upgrading the Jashore-Bheramara-Ishwardi Road (N704), Kushtia-Jhenaidah Highway (N704), Bheramara-Allardorga Road (Z7411), Bheramara-Kuchiamora Road, and Bheramara Rail Station-Bheramara Ferry Ghat Road (Z7409).
Water supply
Currently, no piped water supply network exists in the proposed economic zone. BEZA has proposed the installation of high-capacity pumps at suitable locations along the Padma Riverbank to ensure uninterrupted water supply for industrial and non-industrial use.
Telecommunication
Kushtia BTCL has an optical fibre network in Bheramara, located 10 km from the proposed economic zone, with confirmed sufficient bandwidth. BEZA has suggested the establishment of an EZ server room, an optical fibre cable, and an FOC connection between the junction box and Kushtia EZ.
Drainage plan
Rainwater from the proposed economic zone naturally flows towards the Padma River. BEZA has recommended constructing a canal to facilitate drainage, ensuring appropriate elevation and embankments to prevent waterlogging.
Gas supply
The Sundarban Gas Company Limited (SGCL) operates a 10-inch gas pipeline and a City Gate Station (CGS) in Bheramara. BEZA has proposed two options for supplying gas to the Kushtia Economic Zone: Option A – a 10-inch pipeline from Bheramara CGS, and Option B – a 12-inch pipeline to ensure adequate supply.
Courtesy: Daily Sun.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
