Establishing Economic Zones in Bangladesh is a historic initiative of the present government. Hon’ble Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has taken this commendable initiative for materializing the dream of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to create “Sonar Bangla”. “Charter for Change” – the election manifesto of the present government in 2008 proclaimed the “Vision 2021”, among others, the important one is to achieve middle income status by 2021 during the 50^th anniversary of our independence. The “Vision 2021” is nothing but the resurrection of the dream “Sonar Bangla”. Bangladesh has already been graduated from LDC to developing country in March 2018.

Bangladesh has demonstrated strong economic fundamentals with a consistent GDP growth rate of over 6 percent in the last 10 years. Bangladesh has recently achieved new heights in economic performance by attaining 7% economic growth rate and this will continue to grow in the years ahead. Bangladesh is striving hard to reach the milestone of middle-income status by 2021. Foreign investment will come only if we are able to create hassle-free environment for the investors in setting up industries and running their business.

The present government led by Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken initiative to formulate a self-reliant legislation aimed at establishing economic zones in different areas, especially in the backward region. BEZA has already started development of 7 government economic zones e.g. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar, Shreehatta EZ, Maheshkhali Economic Zone (Dholghata), Jamalpur EZ,  appointed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) developer for setting up 2 economic zones e.g Mongla and Mirsarai EZ (1^st Phase). Projects for improving off-site infrastructure including land acquisition and land development for setting up of Government to Government (G2G) Economic Zones with China, Japan and India have been adopted. Off-site Infrastructure is going on full swing to set up 3 Tourism Parks in Cox’s Bazar district. Pre-Qualification License has been issued to establish 17 private economic zones, of which 06 licenses have been given to private economic zone developers.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar

Development project worth of BDT 3 billion is underway in the concerted efforts of various departments of the government for the progress of  Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar. Of this, the construction of 230KVA grid sub-station at the cost of about BDT 400 crore by PGCB, construction of 18 km long Mirsarai Economic Zone protection embankment by Bangladesh Water Development Board at a cost of 1200 crore, 4-lane road construction by Roads and Highways Department, construction of power plant by BR powergen ltd. are headway.

SBG Economic Zone Limited has been appointed as the developer of Mirsarai Economic Zone (1st phase) to develop, operate and manage the 550 acres of land in Mirsarai EZ area. Electricity network, establishment of bridges and pipelines for drinking water has been completed at a cost of about Tk. 55 crore.

The development of land and protection embankment, erection of administrative building, widening of connecting roads, construction of bridge and 33/11 KVA power sub-center and sluice-gate has been on track on 1300 acres of land in Mirsarai EZ.

Shreehatta Economic Zone

About 1.3 billion US dollars investment has been proposed for Sreehatta Economic Zone. For the implementation of this proposal 06 companies have been allotted 231 acres of land. 43,000 employments are due to be created in these proposed industries.

Maheshkhali Economic Zone (Dholghata) : BEZA has been offered $ 2.5 billion investment in Maheshkhali Economic Zone (Dholghata). World-renowned company SK Gas Korea and Super Petrochemical Private Ltd. will set up LPG terminal, chemical factories in around 450 acres of land, through which 20,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities will be created. BEZA has taken ownership of about 1500 acres of land for this zone.

Jamalpur Economic Zone

In the Jamalpur Economic Zone, 344 acres of private land has been acquired by BEZA where Land development is going on. Rural Electrification Board and Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Limited are working for erecting electricity line through deposit work and gas supply connection.

Naf Tourism Park

For the development of Naf Tourism Park on 291 acres of land in the middle of the Naf river, joint efforts have been made with the forest department to set up 9.5 kilometer long cable car as a mean of communication and tourist attraction. Hanging bridges and jetties will be constructed at the park. Prominent Thai investor Siam Siam International has signed an MoU with BEZA for infrastructural development in this park. Sabrang tourism Park
Road development, electricity connection work has been completed for setting up Tourism Park at Sabrang in Teknaf. Besides, land development works and construction of embankment is continuing to protect this future tourist destination.

Sonadia Eco-Tourism Park

BEZA is working to establish a world standard tourism city on 10000 acres land at Sonadia Island of Maheshkhali upazila. Master plan for development of tourism parks has already begun.