Govt Plans New EPZs, Economic Zones in 5 Districts

The government has decided to establish new Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Barishal and Lalmonirhat and economic zones in Gazipur, Barguna and Pirojpur to attract investment, boost exports and generate employment.

The Cabinet Division has already issued directives to the Prime Minister’s Office and relevant authorities to begin implementation of the projects.

The initiatives emerged from proposals raised during the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference held in May, where local administrators highlighted the need for industrial expansion through new EPZs and economic zones.

Officials said the Cabinet Division reviewed around 1,729 proposals submitted from districts nationwide before selecting feasible projects for implementation after consultations with ministries and executing agencies.

The government has decided to implement six priority measures in three phases — short-term (within one year), medium-term (within three years) and long-term (within five years). Among them are the planned EPZs in Barishal and Lalmonirhat and economic zones in Gazipur, Barguna and Pirojpur.

District officials argued that the proposed projects would create jobs, reduce poverty, attract foreign and domestic investment and strengthen regional industrialisation.

The Barishal proposal highlighted the district’s direct road connectivity with Dhaka and proximity to Payra Port, saying an EPZ would create employment opportunities and reduce migration to major cities for work.

Lalmonirhat authorities said an EPZ there would support agro-based industries and facilitate trade through the Burimari Land Port and railway connectivity, benefiting from the region’s agricultural output, including rice, potatoes and maize.

In Barguna, officials proposed an economic zone near Payra Port to strengthen international trade and support sectors such as fisheries, agriculture, marine resource processing and tourism.

The proposed economic zone in Pirojpur would benefit from strong road and waterway links to key seaports, helping transport raw materials and finished goods while encouraging agriculture- and fisheries-based industries.

Gazipur officials proposed an economic zone to relocate industries into a planned area, aiming to reduce environmental pollution, protect agricultural land and ensure more organised industrial growth.

Officials said relevant ministries have been instructed to submit monthly progress reports to the Cabinet Division as implementation work moves forward.

Bangladesh currently has eight government-owned EPZs under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA): Dhaka, Chattogram, Mongla, Cumilla, Ishwardi, Karnaphuli, Adamjee and Uttara.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told parliament that restoring economic discipline and simplifying investment procedures remain key priorities for ensuring sustainable development and attracting foreign investment.

He said the government has updated the export policy and is revising the Import Policy Order 2026–2029 to ease market access for investors. Efforts are also underway to integrate key investment-related agencies to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucratic delays.