Economy
PM Hasina Inaugurates 50 Industrial Units in EZs
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today, November 20 inaugurated 50 industrial units, projects and facilities in the Economic Zones (EZs) across the nation.
She opened the industrial establishments in the EZs virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence here this morning, marking the Golden Jubilee of the country’s Independence and the Birth Centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
4 factories at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar (BSMSN) in Chattogram and 8 factories in different private EZs were launched among the 50 industrial facilities.
These industrial units have already invested over US$967.73 million in the economic zones and will make further investments of nearly $331.27 million.
The premier laid the foundation stone of 29 industrial units in different EZs, which have so far invested $610 million and are in the process to invest $1,922.39 million more.
Administration buildings of BSMSN, Jamalpur Economic Zone, Srihatta EZ, and Sabrang Tourism Park were inaugurated as well.
PM also formally opened the 20-kilometer Sheikh Hasina Sarani, 230-KVA gridline and substation at the BSMSN and laid the foundation stone of a water treatment plant having 50 million liters per day (MLD) capacity.
Land Minister Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, PM’s Private Industry and Investment adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Chattogram-1 constituency lawmaker Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, Vice-Chairman of the Bashundhara Group Safwan Sobhan spoke at the function at BSMSN end in Chattogram.
Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun gave the address of welcome.
A video documentary on the development activities of the BEZA was screened at the function.
BEZA aims to establish economic zones in all potential areas in Bangladesh, including backward and underdeveloped regions, with a view to encouraging rapid economic development through the increase and diversification of industry, employment, production and export.
Of the planned 100 economic zones, the government has approved 97 economic zones, 28 of which are currently under development.
So far, 12 privately owned economic zones have received licenses to operate and nearly $4 billion have been invested in these economic zones.
The goal of the economic zones is to create employment for 10 million people directly and indirectly. It is also expected that export products worth $40 billion will be produced annually from these economic zones.
Investors can avail of tax holidays, and duty-free imports of raw materials and machinery at the economic zones.
The economic zones have attracted foreign direct investments from different countries, including Japan, China, India, Australia, the Netherlands, Germany, America, the United Kingdom, Singapore, South Korea and Norway.
Expatriate Bangladeshis sent approximately US$ 2.11 billion in remittances during the first 28 days of September in the fiscal year 2024-25, according to data released by Bangladesh Bank on 29 September.
Of this total, state-owned and specialised banks handled $679.10 million, while private banks received $1.43 billion in remittances.
Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, has vowed to expedite reforms and hold elections swiftly. Yunus, who recently assumed the role after the collapse of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year administration, expressed his commitment during an interview with Tokyo-based news outlet NHK WORLD in New York on Sunday. He was attending the United Nations General Assembly at the time.
Following mass student-led protests that ended Hasina’s long-standing rule in August, Yunus stepped in as the leader of the caretaker government. Known for founding Grameen Bank, an institution providing microloans to the underprivileged, Yunus, along with the bank, earned the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his efforts in poverty alleviation.
During the interview, Yunus emphasized that the interim government’s primary mission is to implement reforms promptly and ensure elections are held as soon as the groundwork is complete. He underscored the importance of success, stating, “Failure is not something that we can accept.”
Addressing the pivotal role of students in the ousting of the Hasina administration, Yunus acknowledged the sacrifices made by young people, referring to their involvement as part of a “revolution.” He highlighted his intention to engage the younger generation in shaping policy.
Furthermore, Yunus called for continued support from Japan, Bangladesh’s largest donor, during this crucial transition period. He stressed that Japan’s assistance is vital to stabilizing Bangladesh’s economy and fostering a democratic foundation in the nation.
Syeda Rizwana Hasan, the Adviser for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, announced today that steps will be taken to restrict the use of polythene shopping bags to safeguard future generations.
Starting from October 1, polythene bags will be banned in shopping malls, followed by a ban in kitchen markets from November 1.
“Everyone must take responsibility and stop using polythene voluntarily. Action against polythene producers will begin from November 1,” Rizwana Hasan stated during a seminar.
The Department of Environment (DoE) organized the seminar to raise public awareness about alternatives to banned polythene bags.
Rizwana Hasan highlighted that the restriction on polythene will be executed in phases according to legal provisions, and discussions with shopping centers and store owners are ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.
She also announced plans to make the government secretariat a plastic-free zone by December.
Other speakers at the seminar included Environment Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed, DoE Director General Dr. Abdul Hamid, Director Rajinara Begum, President of the Shop Owners Association Muhammad Helal Uddin, and Md. Arifur Rahman Bhuiyan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at BUP. They discussed the harmful effects of polythene and the need for alternative products.
Earlier, Rizwana Hasan inaugurated a fair showcasing eco-friendly alternatives to polythene bags and visited 24 stalls. The fair featured products from government and private entrepreneurs, including reusable bags, jute bags, paper bags, and items made from bamboo and cane.
