Tourist Desk: Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) is entering its 46th year today after completing 45 years of success. This institution under the Prime Minister’s Office has been making unique contributions to the country’s industrialization and economic progress since its inception.The journey of BEPZA began in the early eighties with the visionary decision of the late President Ziaur Rahman. In the late 1970s, foreign investment in post-war Bangladesh was very limited. In this context, the then President of the World Bank, Robert McNamara, advised Bangladesh to establish export-oriented industrial zones to attract foreign investment. Then, on the initiative of the late President Ziaur Rahman, the ‘BEPZA Act’ was passed in 1980. Then, the institution officially started its journey through a gazette notification on April 15, 1981. The practical application of export-oriented production began with the establishment of the country’s first EPZ in the port city of Chittagong in 1983. Later, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, EPZ activities were expanded across the country. With the establishment of the Dhaka EPZ in 1993, the Savar-Ashulia region became a vibrant industrial zone. In addition, the strategic decision to convert Adamjee Jute Mills and Karnaphuli Steel Mills into EPZs created new prospects for the country’s industrial sector. At present, a total of 8 EPZs in different regions of the country – including Mongla, Comilla, Uttara and Ishwardi – are contributing to balanced regional development. In 2018, work began on establishing the ‘BEPZA Economic Zone’ in the National Special Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Chittagong, from where exports of goods have already begun. Eight companies have gone into production in this region and five more have started experimental production. In addition, 34 companies are under implementation. It is expected that the allocation of plots for Patuakhali and Jessore EPZs will start this year itself. The total area of ​​the 8 EPZs and economic zones under BEPZA is only 3,550.33 acres (14.37 sq km), which is less than 0.001 percent of the total area of ​​the country. However, this small area accounts for about 15-20 percent of the country’s total exports. BEPZA’s contribution to national exports in the 2024-25 fiscal year was 17.03 percent. In the last 45 years, BEPZA has attracted investments worth US$ 7.29 billion and exported goods worth over US$ 125 billion. These zones currently employ about 550,000 people, a large proportion of whom are women. This employment is not only contributing to economic growth, but also to social change and women empowerment. Every acre of land in EPZs contributes Tk 138.2 crore to the economy annually. In the fiscal year 2024-25, BEPZA’s direct and indirect contribution to the national economy was about Tk 348 billion. Of the 450 factories currently operating in BEPZA zones, only 32 percent produce ready-made garments. The remaining 68 percent manufacture car parts, camera lenses, printer toner, bicycles, spectacle frames, wigs, shoes and even coffins. The country’s first commercial drone factory is being built in the BEPZA economic zone. Despite the challenges of 2025, BEPZA has signed investment agreements with 38 domestic and foreign companies. Till March 2026, i.e. in the first 9 months of the current fiscal year, agreements have been signed with 30 domestic and foreign companies, with a proposed investment amount of about 630 million US dollars. This will create employment opportunities for about 64,000 Bangladeshis. To reduce carbon emissions and promote green industrialization, BEPZA has set a target of meeting 25 percent of its total electricity demand from solar energy by 2030. In addition, for the welfare of workers, there are hospitals and medical centers in each EPZ where free treatment and medicines are provided. In addition, day-care centers have also been set up. There is ‘BEPZA Public School and College’ for the children of workers, where they get the opportunity to study at a 50 percent subsidy. BEPZA has also signed an ‘Employment Injury Scheme’ agreement with ILO to ensure the safety of workers. BEPZA, which has entered its 46th year after 45 years of success, has today become a symbol of trust in realizing the dream of a prosperous Bangladesh.