The interim government has issued a new ordinance placing all existing private export processing zones (EPZs) under the direct management of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). The move repeals the Bangladesh Private Export Processing Zones Act, 1996.
The Bangladesh Private Export Processing Zones (Repeal) Ordinance, 2026 was published in the official gazette on Monday, February 2, by the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs. Public Relations Officer Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim confirmed the development to the media on Tuesday.
Under the new ordinance, all private EPZs established under the 1996 law will now be classified as “Private Economic Zones” under the Bangladesh Economic Zones Act, 2010. Management and supervision responsibilities for these zones will be vested in BEZA.
The ordinance ensures that licenses issued under the previous law remain valid, and existing bonded and concessional facilities for investors will continue uninterrupted. BEZA, however, is empowered to take necessary measures to ensure the smooth operation of these zones.
On administrative matters, the previous “Board of Governors” and “Executive Cell” for private EPZs have been abolished. Officers and employees of the Executive Cell will be directly transferred to BEZA, retaining their existing terms of service. Any ongoing legal cases involving the abolished entities will continue under BEZA.
The 1996 law initially allowed the private sector to establish EPZs to expand investment and exports. The government said the repeal reflects the law’s evolving relevance and aims to streamline management under BEZA. The ordinance is effective immediately.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
