TIB calls for defining terms of country-specific SEZs

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has called for defining the terms and conditions before setting up country-specific economic zones, and publishing them for the sake of national interest.

The transparency watchdog, however, acknowledged the importance of developing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in different parts of Bangladesh by countries like India, China and Japan.

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has been allowing the SEZs to stimulate the economic growth through industrialisation and employment generation.

TIB, through a statement issued on Monday, called for assessing the desired short, medium and long term outcome from such SEZs.

The Dhaka chapter of the Berlin-based organisation also requested the government to assess possible risks of the projects before setting next course of actions in this regard.

According to the statement, TIB Executive Director (ED) Dr Iftekharuzzaman said that as per the media reports, countries like India, China and Japan have been approved by the Bangladesh government to establish several SEZs.

"The rationale and timeliness of the decision to establish country-wise SEZs are beyond controversy," he said, however, adding that some issues of the agreements are not specific.

He said some issues including contract details, Bangladesh's benefit in short, medium and long term from such SEZs, risk factors, conditions of economic impact assessment (EIA) and distribution of profit have not been made clear yet.

Particularly, the effect of establishing the SEZs on locality, the extent of locals' participation and impact on their living are also not clear, he added. "We are anxious about the agreements to establish such SEZs without clear justification of such issues."

Dr Iftekharuzzaman said the TIB calls for proper economic, environmental and local impact assessment if those have not already been carried out.

The TIB also said that they are anxious about the news that Bangladesh's stake in SEZs to be developed by India and China has not been fixed yet.

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