DHAKA, Aug 18, 2026 (BSS) - The development of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) Economic Zone (EZ) in Mirsarai has saved around Tk 134.25 crore in public funds as the project was completed at a significantly lower cost than its original estimate, while the zone is now poised to generate substantial returns for the government treasury through investment, exports, employment and economic activities.

“The project was approved at an estimated cost of Tk 1,302.91 crore. However, the first phase of the BEPZA Economic Zone project was implemented fully at a total cost of Tk 1,168.66 crore, resulting in a saving of Tk 134.25 crore from the approved budget,” said Project Director of the BEPZA Economic Zone Mohammad Anamul Haque.

Talking to BSS, Anamul Haque described the saving as an example of efficient financial management and successful implementation of the government project.

According to project details, all major infrastructure development works under the project, including land development, roads, drains, footpaths, boundary walls, residential and non-residential buildings, factory buildings, main and security gates, and necessary electromechanical works, have been completed.

Of the 539 industrial plots developed in the economic zone, 401 have already been allocated to local and foreign investors, he said.

“BEPZA Economic Zone is receiving a good response from both local and foreign investors. So far, we have signed lease agreements with 65 enterprises, while 14 enterprises have already started production,” Anamul Haque said.

According to BEPZA, the 65 enterprises have proposed investments of around $1.62 billion and are expected to create employment opportunities for nearly 200,000 Bangladeshis once fully operational.

Among the 14 companies already in production, 10 are Chinese-owned, two are South Korean-owned, one is Canadian-owned and one is fully Bangladeshi-owned. Their products include readymade garments, lingerie, shoes and footwear accessories, leather goods, garment accessories, furniture and wood products and packaging materials.

These 14 operational enterprises have already exported products worth around US$58.18 million and created employment for around 4,500 Bangladeshis.

Another seven enterprises are expected to commence production within this year. Of these, four have already started trial production. Most of the enterprises that have signed lease agreements have also begun construction of their factory buildings.

Besides conventional garment products, the enterprises will manufacture shoes and footwear accessories, advanced pharmaceutical products, tobacco machinery, battery plates, camping furniture, cutlery, greenhouse and hydroponic tents, and even high-tech products
like drones.

According to the project director, actual investment in the BEPZA Economic Zone stood at $101.73 million as of July 2026.

The economic zone, established on 1,138.55 acres of land in Mirsarai under the National Special Economic Zone, has been divided into two parts for operational and administrative convenience.

BEPZA Economic Zone-1 covers 640.25 acres and Zone-2 covers 498.29 acres.

The zone offers investors various facilities, including duty-free import and export, tax holiday, GSP facilities and other incentives, along with BEPZA's one-stop services. Its strategic location and proximity to the port are also expected to enhance its investment appeal.

Utility services for the existing investors have been ensured, with water and electricity supply operational and gas connections under process. A 30MW-capacity substation has already been installed, while water, electricity and ETP networks have been developed.

BEPZA is also developing the economic zone as an environmentally friendly industrial hub. Around 19.60 percent of the total area has been earmarked for green space and water bodies under the master plan.

“BEPZA Economic Zone is not merely an investment hub; it is creating a new milestone in Bangladesh's industrialisation by combining employment generation, technology transfer and environmental sustainability,” said the project director.

He said once all enterprises reach full production capacity, the economic zone is expected to generate annual export earnings of $4-5 billion and create employment opportunities for around 500,000 Bangladeshis.

“The successful completion of the project within a lower cost than the approved budget demonstrates BEPZA's efficiency in project implementation and financial management,” he added.