BEPZA plans new EPZs in Rangpur and Sirajganj

Staff Report: PNN

To increase industrialization in the northern region and promote solar energy use, the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has planned to establish two new Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Rangpur and Sirajganj.

Officials announced this at the 46th founding anniversary program of BEPZA on Wednesday (15 April). Currently, the organization operates 8 EPZs and 2 economic zones in different parts of the country.

Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain said that work is ongoing for new EPZs in Jashore and Patuakhali, and plans are also being advanced for Rangpur and Sirajganj. He said these projects will expand industrial geography across the country.

It is known that about 1,842 acres of land exist under Rangpur Sugar Mill in Gobindaganj upazila, of which 450 acres have already been handed over to BEPZA. Officials expect that this project could create employment for over 100,000 people.

BEPZA officials said that since its formal launch in 1981, the organization has played an important role in strengthening exports. In EPZs, products including garments, electronics, automobile parts, shoes, camera lenses, and bicycles are produced.

According to the institution, garments account for 32% of total production, while 68% comes from diversified industries. EPZs contribute about 15–20% of the country’s total exports.

Experts believe that new EPZs will further balance regional industrialization and create new economic opportunities in northern Bangladesh.