Mongla is likely to emerge as the country's first economic zone out of five selected sites as the authorities concerned have already finalised land purchase deals for the purpose, sources said.
The five selected areas for setting up of economic zones are Anwara upazila and Mirsarai upazila, both in Chittagong, Sherpur in Moulvibazar, and areas surrounding Bangabandhu Bridge in Sirajganj and Mongla in Bagerhat.
Md Moniruzzaman, manager (investment promotion) at the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) told the FE that they had finalised land purchase deals with the Mongla Port Authority (MPA).
The MPA is selling the land to the BEZA and the earmarked area is close to the port. The Mongla Economic Zone will comprise of 205 acres of land.
The MPA had acquired the land in 1995-96 for expansion of the port. But the land remained unutilised since then as the MPA did not expand its activities on the lands.
Later, the BEZA chose the area for setting up of the economic zone.
The BEZA has already deposited Tk 470 million to deputy commissioner of Bagerhat in favour of the MPA to purchase the land.
"We're expecting that the land transfer will take place shortly," Md Moniruzzamna said.
However, the progress of other sites is also proceeding fast, he said.
He said the BEZA will invite tender for developing infrastructure of the site later.
According to the economic zones concept, the BEZA will arrange the lands and developer will develop the required infrastructure for attracting the investors.
The government has taken the move to set up economic zones aiming at enhancing industrialisation and increasing job opportunities for the rural poor.
The governing board of the BEZA is the authority to implement the economic zones in the country.
The BEZA's larger plan is to set up economic zones in all seven divisions of the country.
The agro-industries and food processing plants will be prioritised in these five zones, sources said.
The economic zones will be established in light of the Perspective Plan 2010-2020 which envisages setting up of 20 such zones in the country, providing jobs to 1.5 million people.
