The interim government has identified several locations across the country, including one in Anwara upazila of Chattogram district, as part of its plan to establish a free trade zone (FTZ) aimed at attracting greater foreign investment and positioning Bangladesh as a regional manufacturing hub.
A 400-acre site in Anwara has emerged as the leading contender due to its excellent connectivity to both the airport and seaport. A national committee, led by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), is currently reviewing several other potential sites, with plans to finalise selections and establish the FTZ within the forthcoming 2025-26 fiscal year.
“A high-level committee is actively working to establish a free trade zone in Bangladesh, with the aim of transforming the country into a major centre for global manufacturing,” a senior BIDA official told the Daily Sun on Monday.
“We have identified several suitable locations, and Anwara is currently at the top of our list due to its strategic location.”
The official added that the national committee is in discussions with international FTZ operators and is conducting site visits to evaluate the feasibility of each proposed area.
“After visiting the shortlisted sites, the committee will determine the most viable location – which we believe could be a game changer for Bangladesh,” the official said.
According to BIDA, the initiative aligns with a global trend in which countries offer businesses special facilities – such as bonded warehouses and FTZs – to help them integrate into international supply chains and expand into new markets. These zones allow imported materials to be stored and processed without the immediate payment of duties, creating a streamlined path from production to export.
“Foreign companies will be able to set up factories here and export their products directly, bypassing much of the bureaucratic red tape. They’ll benefit from Bangladesh’s workforce while we benefit from investment, job creation, and technology transfer,” the official explained. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
BIDA Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury visited the Anwara site last month to assess its potential.
Speaking to reporters during the visit, he said, “Anwara is under serious consideration because of its close proximity to the port and airport, which makes it a strategic location for trade and logistics. We’re in the process of identifying and evaluating land for the zone, and this site is currently our primary focus.”
He expressed optimism that with coordinated support from relevant ministries, the government could declare the establishment of an FTZ within the current calendar year.
Nahian Rahman Rochi, head of business development at BIDA, confirmed that the National Committee on FTZs is reviewing all relevant regulations, including existing laws, policies, and frameworks.
“Several locations have been identified as potentially suitable for FTZs, and the committee will be conducting on-site visits in the coming days,” he said.
The FTZ scheme aligned with the global push for trade liberalisation and investment facilitation. Bangladesh’s strategic geographic location – at the crossroads of China, India, and ASEAN – offers a significant opportunity to become a key player in regional and global trade. While Bangladesh is only beginning to explore this potential, India has already established 10 FTZs aimed at boosting trade with South and Southeast Asia.
On 6 May, the first meeting of the national FTZ committee under the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) was held, chaired by Ashik Chowdhury.
The committee includes representatives from BIDA, BEZA, the Ministry of Commerce, the Economic Relations Division (ERD), the Ministry of Industries, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), and the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA).
The committee has been tasked with reviewing key legislation, including the Bangladesh Economic Zones Act, the Customs Act, and import-export regulations, and recommending necessary amendments or the creation of new legal frameworks to support the FTZ programme.
The initiative will be jointly implemented by Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, along with the Executive Chairmen of BEZA and BIDA.
Officials believe that with proper infrastructure and investment incentives, these zones could serve as magnets for foreign capital, helping to drive industrial growth, create employment, facilitate the transfer of technology, and enhance Bangladesh’s export capacity.
“Industries operating within FTZs are typically more competitive in the global market,” said one senior official.
“By providing the right environment, we can increase our exports and strengthen supply chains – an essential step for Bangladesh’s long-term economic development.”
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
