Bangladesh’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth is exemplified by the ambitious road improvement project in Narayanganj’s Sonargaon region.
From extensive road networks to well-connected railways, modern seaports and airports, under-river tunnels, elevated expressways, water utilities, e-governance, and a shift towards solar energy, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress. In an effort to strengthen connections and drive Economic progress in Narayanganj’s Sonargaon region, the government has launched a road improvement project.
The four-road expansion project, spanning about 14 kilometers, is expected to foster improved transportation and communication ties with five economic zones in the region, as per statements from relevant authorities. Upon completion of the project aimed at extending four roads over a span of approximately 14 kilometers, officials anticipate a significant improvement in transportation and communication links with five economic zones, including:
- Aman Economic Zone
- Meghna Economic Zone
- Meghna Industrial Economic Zone
- Cumilla Economic Zone, and
- Sonargaon Economic Zone (temporarily halted due to ongoing legal issues)
Importance of Connectivity with Economic Zones
The narrow road has been causing significant disruptions due to the presence of private cars and battery-operated auto-rickshaws. As a result, the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authorities (BEZA) and other businesses have been demanding the expansion of the road for several years.
At present, the road connects Sonargaon Mograpara to the Aman Economic Zone, Aman Cement Factory, Meghna Group’s LP Gas Plant, Meghna Shipbuilders and Dockyard, Sonargaon Folk Art and Craft Museum, Panam City, and numerous industrial sites and tourist spots. It is currently only 5.5 meters wide. In reply to the demand surge, the road is scheduled for widening to 10.3 meters.
Project Proposal and Budget Considerations
The Road Transport and Highways Division officials have forwarded a project proposal totaling Tk1,148 crore to the Planning Commission. This proposal aims to enhance four roads and modernize the existing pavements within the Sonargaon area.
Within the Planning Commission’s Physical Infrastructure Division, the project evaluation committee has already met to review the project proposal. During the meeting, the committee put forth recommendations for a thorough evaluation of expenses, including those related to land acquisition, land damage, utility relocation, and various budgetary considerations.
According to the proposal, the project aims to be finalized by June 2025, setting a clear target for its completion.
Economic Impact and Employment Opportunities
BEZA officials have revealed that approximately 36,000 laborers are actively working within the four operational economic zones in the vicinity. Their estimations indicate that the completion of the entire project could result in an influx of nearly $4 billion in investments across five zones, potentially leading to the creation of over 200,000 employment opportunities.
Shaikh Yusuf Harun, executive chairman of BEZA, shared that his office successfully advocated for the government to embark on the development project. “We welcome this initiative from the perspective of BEZA.” He pointed out that after the construction is completed, the efficiency of transporting raw materials to the factories and delivering finished goods to their destinations will increase.
In his statement, he emphasized that the enhanced transportation system would benefit factory workers, who make up a substantial part of the local population, by making their commutes more efficient.
How many economic zones are in the pipeline for development?
To date, BEZA has received approval to establish 97 economic zones nationwide, consisting of 68 Government-owned and 29 privately-owned EZs. Ongoing efforts include conducting feasibility studies, acquiring land, and identifying social and environmental initiatives tailored to each area.
The main objective of BEZA is to set up one hundred EZs within the next fifteen years, with the ambition of generating 10 million jobs and attaining USD 40 billion in export revenues. Meanwhile, privately owned economic zone developments are taking place in different areas of Bangladesh. The specific locations are provided below:
Government-owned Economic Zone Site:
- Maulovibazar Economic Zone, Sylhet
- Anowara (Gohira) Economic Zone, Chittagong
- Mirsarai Economic Zone, Chittagong
- Sirajgong Economic Zone, Rajshahi
- Mongla Economic Zone, Bagerhat
Private sector economic zones (proposed and operational):
- AK Khan Private Economic Zone, Narsingdi
- Abdul Monem Private Economic Zone, Munshiganj
- Meghna Private Economic Zone, Narayanganj
- Comilla Private Economic Zone, Comilla
- Garments Industrial Park, Munshiganj
- Meghna Industrial Zone, Narayanganj
- Famkam Private Economic Zone, Bagerhat
Some Newly Planned Economic Zones:
- Anowara-2 Economic Zone, Chittagong
- Jamalpur Economic Zone Jamalpur
- Narayanganj Economic Zone, Narayanganj
- Bhola Economic Zone, Bhola
- Ashuganj Economic Zone, Brahmanbaria
- Dhaka IT Special Economic Zone, Dhaka
- Panchghar Economic Zone¸ Panchghar
- Narsingdi Economic Zone, Narsingdi
- Manikgoni Economic Zone, Manikgoni
- Kustia Economic Zone, Kustia
Bangladesh Economic Zones to Embrace Trade Unions
Responding to international pressure, the Bangladeshi government has finally decided to authorize the formation of trade unions within factories situated in the country’s economic zones, thereby ensuring the protection of labor rights.
The labor rights provisions from the 2006 Labor Act will be incorporated into the Bangladesh Economic Zones Act, aligning the two. Notably, factories within the nation’s export processing zones (EPZ) will remain unaffected by this change. Efforts are also underway to amend Section 34 of the 2010 Bangladesh Economic Zones Act to include labor rights provisions from the Labor Act.
Reports indicate that the government is set to make an official announcement regarding the incorporation of trade unions in economic zones by November. This change is anticipated to take effect at the start of the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25, as per the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA).
The proposed amendment, currently in the form of a bill, has been dispatched to parliament. The bill, designed to modify the existing legislation, is presently under examination by the pertinent parliamentary standing committee. If it receives a favorable assessment, it will be tabled for further discussion during an upcoming parliamentary session.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s commitment to infrastructure development and economic growth is exemplified by the ambitious road improvement project in Narayanganj’s Sonargaon region. This endeavor not only signifies a leap forward in transportation and communication connectivity but also holds the promise of significant economic impact and job creation for the region.
As Bangladesh continues to expand its economic zones and embrace labor rights, it paves the way for a brighter, more prosperous future, where progress and inclusivity go hand in hand. The journey of transformation has begun, and the destination appears to be one of shared prosperity and sustainable growth.
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