BEZA, BIWTA sign jetties construction, revenue sharing agreement
Under the agreement, net profit from the jetties will be shared at a 45:55 ratio, with BEZA retaining 45% and BIWTA receiving 55%.
In a move to boost maritime connectivity and industrial logistics, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) today (9 April) signed an agreement to build, operate and share revenue from jetties at the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) and Sabrang Tourism Park.
The agreement was signed by Julia Moin, secretary of the BEZA Executive Board, and Md Saiful Islam, director (Administration and Human Resources) of BIWTA, at the BEZA headquarters in the city, according to a press release.
Senior officials attended the event, including Major General (Retd) Md Nazrul Islam, executive member (Planning and Development); Saleh Ahmad (Investment Development); and Mostafa Kamal (Administration and Finance), along with BIWTA representatives.
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The initiative forms part of the government's push to streamline industrial transport and expand tourism infrastructure under a Public-Public Partnership framework.
These projects are part of a broader development initiative titled "Construction of jetties and related facilities in Mirsarai and Sandwip of Chattogram, Sonadia Island of Cox's Bazar and Teknaf (Sabrang and Jaliar Island)," currently under implementation by BIWTA.
Under the agreement, net profit from the jetties will be shared at a 45:55 ratio, with BEZA retaining 45% and BIWTA receiving 55%.
The Sabrang jetty will serve as a key gateway for tourists travelling from Cox's Bazar to Saint Martin, aiming to ease transit and improve safety for the tourism sector. Officials said it would unlock the potential for "eye-catching tourism structures" at Sabrang, creating a foundation for world-class tourism installations.
At the same time, BEZA is advancing plans to provide centralised jetty facilities for investors at the NSEZ. This strategic integration is designed to turn the zone into a self-sufficient industrial hub, offering a one-stop logistical solution for maritime transport within the economic zone to improve ease of doing business.
Speaking at the event, Md Nazrul Islam termed the agreement a milestone, saying the jetties would play an extraordinary role in meeting investors' logistical needs and help develop NSEZ into a fully self-sufficient industrial region.
Saleh Ahmad highlighted Sabrang's vast tourism potential despite geographical challenges, congratulating BIWTA for partnering in BEZA's progress. He said the jetty would support both aesthetic and functional tourism growth.
BIWTA Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mustafa reaffirmed the authority's commitment, saying BIWTA is determined to leverage its extensive expertise in inland water transport to ensure successful and effective implementation.
