Bepza eyes industrialisation in North, plans new EPZs in Rangpur, Sirajganj
Following the success of eight EPZs, Bepza began establishing the Bepza Economic Zone in 2018 at Mirsharai in Chattogram, where exports have already started and has drawn strong interest from investors
The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) wants to establish two new export processing zones in Rangpur and Sirajganj to increase industrialisation in the north and encourage the use of solar energy, officials announced yesterday as they celebrated the organisation's 46th anniversary.
Since its inception under the Prime Minister's Office, the organisation has made a substantial contribution to the nation's economic development, and analysts have noted its ongoing influence on social and economic advancement.
Bepza Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain said, "Currently, besides eight operational EPZs and two economic zones, new EPZs are being implemented in Jashore and Patuakhali, and EPZs in Rangpur and Sirajganj are in the planning stage. Once implemented, the geographical spread of the country's industrialisation will increase further."
Sources said 450 acres of land under Rangpur Sugar Mill in the Sahebganj area of Gobindaganj have been already handed over to Bepza for EPZ. It is anticipated that the establishment of an EPZ will provide jobs for more than a lakh people.
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The Bepza Act was passed in 1980, and the organisation formally began operations on 15 April 1981 through a gazette notification, marking a new phase of planned industrialisation.
Beyond readymade garments, EPZs now produce car parts, electronics, camera lenses, wigs, shoes and bicycles. Only 32% of factories produce garments, while 68% represent diversified industries.
ASM Anwar Parvez, executive director (public relations), told TBS, "By attracting domestic and foreign investment, increasing exports through diversification of export products, and creating employment, the zones under Bepza's management are making unique contributions to the country's industrial sector.
"The total area of the eight EPZs and Bepza Economic Zone is only 3,550.33 acres or 14.37 sq-km, which is less than 0.001% of the country's total area. From this small land, Bepza contributes about 15-20% of total exports every year. In the fiscal 2024-25, the contribution was 17.03%."
He added, "In the last 45 years, Bepza has attracted $7.29 billion in investment and exported goods worth over $125 billion. Currently, around 5.5 lakh people are employed, a large portion of whom are women. This employment drives economic growth and supports social change and women's empowerment."
Following the success of eight EPZs, Bepza began establishing the Bepza Economic Zone in 2018 at Mirsharai in Chattogram, where exports have already started. The zone has drawn strong interest from investors and become a key industrial hub.
Eight companies are in production there, five are in trial production, and 34 are under implementation. Bepza has also started developing EPZs in Jashore and Patuakhali, with plot allocation expected within this year.
At an event marking "Bepza Day 2026" yesterday, Moazzem Hossain said, "Bepza has been making important contributions to the country's economic development for the last 45 years. This contribution is not limited to attracting investment and exports, but has also brought marginal communities into the mainstream through employment creation and made them self-reliant."
"Besides, Bepza is playing a pioneering role in worker welfare by establishing modern hospitals and schools in Bepza zones," he added.
