In a major step toward regional industrialisation, the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) is setting up the Patuakhali Export Processing Zone (EPZ), the ninth under its authority and the second in the southern coastal belt.

The 410.78-acre zone, located in Auliapur Union of Patuakhali Sadar Upazila, is scheduled to begin operations by June 2026.

Officials say the project is designed to boost foreign and domestic investment, increase export earnings, and create mass employment in the south, marking a significant step toward balanced regional development.

“This will be the 10th industrial zone under BEPZA after its eight fully operational EPZs and the BEPZA Economic Zone,” a senior official told Daily Sun on Sunday.

A game-changer for the south

According to BEPZA, the Patuakhali EPZ will have 306 industrial plots and aims to attract US$1.5 billion in investment.

Once fully operational, it is projected to generate $1.8 billion in annual exports, while creating one lakh direct jobs and two lakh indirect ones.

“The Patuakhali EPZ opens a new window of opportunity for southern Bangladesh. Its success will benefit not just Patuakhali, but the entire region,” said ASM Anwar Parvez, executive director (PR) of BEPZA.

He added that plot allocation for investors is expected to start by June 2026, with the nearby Payra Seaport significantly reducing lead time for import-export operations.

Progress on the ground

Land development is advancing rapidly, with 320-325 acres already filled. Construction in the rehabilitation area is also underway, including 154 houses, a school, mosque, pond, internal roads, drainage systems, and footpaths. Core infrastructure under construction includes office buildings, staff dormitories, customs and security facilities, main gates, peripheral roads, an 11kV power line, and a substation.

A central rainwater reservoir and canal development are already 80% complete.

Upcoming developments include four six-storey factory buildings, three 10-storey residential buildings, office and utility facilities, helipad, central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) and Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)

In a unique feature, BEPZA also plans to build a resort-cum-investors’ club on eight acres in Kuakata, aimed at combining business facilities with tourism.

Project timeline and investment

The project was approved by ECNEC on 29 August 2023, with a cost of Tk1,442.78 crore.

Of this, the government will provide Tk1,105 crore (40% as capital investment), while BEPZA will contribute Tk338 crore from its own funds.

The Patuakhali District Administration officially handed over the land to BEPZA on 1 April 2024.

Strategic location

The EPZ enjoys a strategic position – just 10-km south of Patuakhali town, adjacent to the Patuakhali-Kuakata highway.

It is 40-km from Payra Seaport, 80-km from Mongla Seaport, 64-km from Barisal Airport, and 62-km from Kuakata sea beach. Improved connectivity via the Padma Bridge further strengthens its logistics advantage.

The proposal for the Patuakhali EPZ was first made in a BEPZA Board of Governors’ meeting in November 2019, alongside plans for zones in Jashore and Gaibandha to ensure balanced national growth.

With construction progressing and investor interest rising, officials say the Patuakhali EPZ is set to become a transformative hub for exports, investment, and employment in southern Bangladesh.

(The reporter can be reached at: [email protected])