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The government has moved to establish new Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Barishal and Lalmonirhat, alongside economic zones in Gazipur, Barguna and Pirojpur, as part of a broader strategy to attract investment, boost exports and generate employment.

The Cabinet Division has already sent directives to the Prime Minister’s Office and relevant authorities to begin implementation of the projects.

The initiative emerged from proposals raised during the Deputy Commissioners’ (DC) Conference in May, where officials from various districts emphasized the need for new industrial hubs to accelerate regional economic development.

Officials said around 1,729 proposals were submitted from different districts. After multiple rounds of review involving ministries and implementing agencies, feasible proposals were selected and presented to the government.

The Prime Minister’s Office has decided to implement six priority decisions in three phases—short-term (within one year), medium-term (within three years) and long-term (within five years). The new EPZs and economic zones are among the key initiatives.

Bangladesh currently has eight government-owned EPZs under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority, including those in Dhaka, Chattogram, Mongla, Cumilla, Ishwardi, Karnaphuli, Adamjee and Uttara. These zones facilitate duty-free imports of raw materials and support export-oriented manufacturing.

Officials believe the proposed zones will help decentralise industrialisation and reduce pressure on major cities.

The proposed Gazipur economic zone is aimed at relocating scattered industries into a planned industrial area to reduce pollution, protect agricultural land and improve infrastructure efficiency.

In Barishal, the proposed EPZ is expected to create local employment, reduce migration to Dhaka and Chattogram, lower poverty and improve living standards. Officials also highlighted the district’s road connectivity with Dhaka and proximity to Payra Port as major advantages.

The proposed Barguna economic zone is expected to leverage the district’s coastal location near Payra Port, with strong potential in marine resource processing, fisheries, agriculture, industry and tourism.

Meanwhile, Pirojpur’s economic zone is expected to benefit from strong road links with Dhaka, Khulna and Barishal, along with waterway connectivity to Chattogram, Mongla and Payra seaports. Officials say this could improve logistics for both raw materials and finished goods.

The proposed Lalmonirhat EPZ is being positioned as a hub for agro-based industries, supported by abundant agricultural output including rice, potatoes and maize. The district’s access to Burimari Land Port and railway connectivity is also expected to ease import-export operations.

Officials said all relevant ministries have been instructed to submit monthly progress reports to the Cabinet Division by the 10th of each month to ensure timely implementation.

Separately, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told parliament that restoring economic discipline remains essential for sustainable development and attracting both local and foreign investment.

He said the government has already updated the country’s export policy and is revising the Import Policy Order 2026–2029 to improve market access and simplify investment procedures.

The prime minister also highlighted a major structural reform aimed at reducing bureaucracy by integrating the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, Public-Private Partnership Authority and Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority under a more unified framework to improve efficiency and service delivery.