Long-abandoned factory in Ctg EPZ up for 6th auction, Bepza offers whole project this time

Shuttered for more than a decade, the factory of M/s Northpole (BD) Ltd – a manufacturer of tents, backpacks, luggage, and bags – in Chattogram Export Processing Zone is once again up for auction.

This is the sixth attempt by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) to sell off the facility and its abandoned assets. Previous five attempts were hindered by prolonged legal and financial complications which authorities concerned said have been resolved.

Today (30 July), Bepza issued the sixth auction notice in several newspapers, now aiming for a full handover of the site.

According to Bepza, the factory occupied plots 22, 23, and 24 in Sector 4 of the Chattogram EPZ. The company ceased operations around 2012, following a collapse in its business operations both in Bangladesh and China. 

The owners abandoned the site, leaving behind buildings, machinery, equipment, and other assets. Since then, Bepza has been deprived of revenue from the plots.

"We've been issuing tenders since 2012–13. The company abandoned the factory, and there were legal proceedings at the High Court along with bank audits. Now that everything has been resolved, we are proceeding with the auction," said Md Abdus Sobhan, executive director of the Chattogram EPZ, speaking to The Business Standard. 

"This time, the entire project is being auctioned off as one unit. The successful bidder must operate the factory accordingly," he added.

The auction notice states that potential buyers may inspect the inventoried buildings, machinery, and other assets on-site between 10am and 3pm on 3 and 4 September. 

Details of the equipment list and inspection procedures can be obtained by directly contacting the executive director of the Chattogram EPZ.

Tender documents can be purchased during office hours up to 4 September 2025 from the accounts departments of Chattogram EPZ, Dhaka EPZ, Adamjee EPZ, Cumilla EPZ, Karnaphuli EPZ, Mongla EPZ, Ishwardi EPZ, Uttara EPZ, and the Bepza Executive Office.

Bidders must submit their tenders to the designated tender box at the office of the executive director, Chattogram EPZ, between 10am and 12pm on 10 September. The tenders will be opened the same day at 12:30pm in the presence of the bidders. 

The successful bidder will be required to obtain official approval from Bepza to operate the industrial unit in line with project guidelines.