DHAKA : The government has decided to establish Export
Processing Zones (EPZs) in Barishal and Lalmonirhat to attract foreign
investment, increase exports, and create employment opportunities.
The Cabinet Division has already sent letters to the
Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office and other relevant authorities to
begin implementing the EPZ projects.
During the DC Conference held in May, several DCs
highlighted the need for new EPZs and economic zones, reports BSS.
The concerned DCs have been instructed to submit progress
reports on the implementation of these plans to the Cabinet Division.
These directives were outlined in a letter sent by the
Cabinet Division to the Prime Minister’s Office and relevant authorities.
Officials from the Cabinet Division told BSS that, out of
approximately 1,729 proposals received from various districts, feasible
proposals were selected and presented to the Prime Minister and relevant
stakeholders after several rounds of meetings with ministries and implementing
agencies.
The Prime Minister’s Office has decided to implement six
key decisions in three phases—short-term (within one year), medium-term (within
three years), and long-term (within five years).
Among these decisions are- the establishment of EPZs in
Barishal and Lalmonirhat and economic zones in Gazipur, Barguna, and Pirojpur.
Bangladesh currently has eight government-owned EPZs under
the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA): Dhaka, Chattogram,
Mongla, Cumilla, Ishwardi, Karnaphuli, Adamjee, and Uttara EPZs.
The primary purpose of EPZs is to facilitate the duty-free
import of raw materials and the direct export of manufactured goods.
Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khan, a Joint Secretary of the
Cabinet Division, told BSS that numerous proposals are submitted each year
during the DC Conference, and the government adopts short-, medium-, and
long-term plans based on priority.
He said that work has already begun on implementing
several important decisions this year and that letters have been sent to the
relevant ministries.
In the presence of the Prime Minister, ministers,
secretaries, and implementing authorities, the Gazipur DC proposed establishing
an economic zone to relocate industries to a designated area.
The proposal argued that planned industrialization would
reduce waste and environmental pollution, protect agricultural land, increase
domestic and foreign investment, and provide entrepreneurs with easier access
to industrial sites.
The Barishal DC proposed establishing an EPZ in Barishal,
arguing that it would create employment opportunities locally, reduce migration
to Dhaka and Chattogram for work, lower poverty, improve living standards, and
benefit from direct road connectivity with Dhaka and proximity to Payra Port.
The Barguna DC proposed an economic zone in the coastal
district, noting that its location near Payra Port could make it a strategic
center for international trade.
The proposal also highlighted the potential for marine
resource processing and preservation, along with integrated development of the
fisheries, agriculture, industry, and tourism sectors.
The Pirojpur DC proposed establishing an economic zone in
Pirojpur Sadar Upazila, citing the district’s strong road links with Dhaka,
Khulna, and Barishal, as well as waterway connections to Chattogram, Mongla,
and Payra seaports.
These links would facilitate the transportation of raw
materials and finished products.
The proposal further argued that easy access to raw
materials and labor would attract domestic and foreign investment, create jobs
through agriculture-and fisheries-based industries, and enable exports after
meeting domestic demand.
The Lalmonirhat DC proposed an EPZ, arguing that it would
generate industrial and employment opportunities, reduce poverty, improve
living standards, and support agro-based industries due to the abundance of
rice, potatoes, maize, and other crops.
The presence of Burimari Land Port and Bangladesh Railway
facilities would also simplify imports and exports.
Md. Mamun, Deputy Secretary of the Field Administration
Wing of the Cabinet Division, told BSS that BG Press is preparing a publication
containing the development initiatives discussed during the DC Conference.
Copies will be distributed to relevant stakeholders.
He added that all ministry secretaries have been informed
of their responsibilities and instructed to submit monthly implementation
progress reports to the Cabinet Division by the 10th of each month.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman discussed the
government’s plans to restore economic discipline and attract foreign investment
during a parliamentary session.
Responding to a written question from Cumilla-10 lawmaker
Md. Mobashwer Alam Bhuiyan, the Prime Minister said there is no alternative to
restoring economic discipline if the country is to achieve sustainable development.
As part of this effort, the government has taken several
groundbreaking measures through the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant
agencies to simplify investment procedures and attract both domestic and
foreign investors.
He said that the country’s Export Policy has already been
updated and that work is underway to revise the Import Policy Order 2026–2029
to facilitate easier market access for foreign investors.
Highlighting a major structural reform initiative aimed at reducing institutional complexities and improving service delivery, the Prime Minister said the government has taken steps to integrate the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Public-Private Partnership Authority (PPPA), and Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority into a unified framework to enhance efficiency and reduce bureaucratic delays.
