The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) plans to begin allocating industrial plots at the under-construction Patuakhali Export Processing Zone (EPZ) from the first quarter of 2026, even before the project’s full completion.
“Although development work is scheduled to be finished by June 2026, we may start handing over plots earlier, with factory construction and land development continuing side by side,” ASM Anwar Parvez, Bepza’s executive director (public relations), told *The Business Standard*.
Located in Auliapur union of Patuakhali sadar upazila, the 410.78-acre zone will be the first EPZ in Bangladesh’s southern region and the ninth nationwide. It will feature 306 industrial plots and is expected to attract US $ 1.53 billion in foreign investment, generate US $ 1.83 billion in exports, and create 100,000 direct jobs along with 200,000 indirect jobs.
Officials said the nearby Payra Sea Port will give the zone a strong logistical advantage by easing import and export operations.
Construction is progressing on key facilities including a main office building, customs office, security barracks, substation, roads, and a central rainwater reservoir, 80% of which is already complete. The project also includes four six-storey factory buildings, three ten-storey residential buildings, a central effluent treatment plant, a sewerage treatment network, and a helipad. A resort-cum-investors’ club is planned on an eight-acre site in Kuakata.
The Tk1,442.78 crore project, approved by Ecnec in August 2023, is being financed by Tk1,105 crore in government funds, 40% as capital investment, and Tk338 crore from Bepza.
During a recent site visit, Saifullah Panna, secretary at the Chief Adviser’s Office, said the government is committed to creating a business-friendly environment and will extend full support to investors.
Local residents, meanwhile, hope the EPZ will curb unemployment in the region and reduce migration to Dhaka for work.
Bepza currently operates eight EPZs across the country, including in Chattogram, Dhaka, Mongla, and Ishwardi.
