New possibilities of economy opening on chest of Jamuna

Farhad Chowdhury : The country’s first green economic zone is being built on a land of 1,081 acres at the western end of Bangabandhu Bridge in Sirajganj near the Jamuna River. This economic zone with good connectivity by road, sea, air and rail without harming the environment has opened a new door of employment for the people of the northern region.
It is known that the country’s largest private EZ is being developed with the engineering and technical support of the Japan Development Institute (JDI). Connectivity with India, Nepal and Bhutan through Burimari, Hili and Banglabandhar (Tentulia) will expand the scope of import-export and transportation of goods.
Recently visiting Sirajganj Economic Zone (EZ), land development work is going on very vigorously. Already 18 institutions have acquired 110 acres of land. A few factories have started building infrastructure. The entire structure of the economic zone has been designed to meet green technology compliance requirements.
Production of basic raw materials for industry is being prioritized in Sirajganj Economic Zone. The advantage is that precious time will not be lost in the raw material import process. A large amount of import costs will be saved.
Sheikh Monowar Hossain, director of Sirajganj Economic Zone, said that due to the US tariff war with China, the country has a hostile attitude towards the US and its ally Europe. For this reason, European-American industrialists are following the ‘China Plus’ policy. In that case, Bangladesh is the best option in front of them. But the reality is that there is no suitable infrastructure in the country. They are trying to develop the Sirajganj Economic Zone by providing environment friendly and compliance friendly structures for foreign entrepreneurs. It is also getting its benefits. Many foreign entrepreneurs are contacting to set up factories under sole or syndicate management. There are big domestic companies.
He said that they have ensured 100% all services of industrial production including gas, electricity, water. In this regard, they have received all kinds of support from the Prime Minister’s office and the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA).
Sheikh Monowar Hossain said that all institutions established in this economic zone will use 100% surface water. Water will be taken from Jamuna river to the factory through pipes. The water used in the factory will be reused through CETP. Rainwater harvesting systems will be installed to capture rainwater for year-round use. State-of-the-art technology will be used to protect against air and noise pollution.
He said that there will be a total of 400 plots in this economic zone. Five lakh people will be employed in stages if the industries are established in the plots. Along with this, the green environment will be maintained at all levels including the establishment of factories, transportation of goods, education of industry-related workers, medical treatment, accommodation.
To keep the entire project green, 60 percent of the total land is being allocated for factories, he said, adding that the rest of the land includes playgrounds, reservoirs, forests, recreation centers, hospitals, technical institutes, central effluent treatment plants (CETP), rainwater harvesting systems, solar panel parks. There are plans to build various infrastructures.
Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Sheikh Yusuf Haroon said that the economic zone will be developed on the banks of the Yamuna under the Platinum Glyn concept. In this, the artwork will reach the threshold of development while maintaining the uniqueness of rural life.
Among the companies allotted land are – Sirajganj EZ Apex Footwear Limited (5 acres), Continental Garments Industries Private Limited (8 acres), Dynamic Dredging (2 acres), Neat Asia Limited (8 acres), MK Chemical Industries (4 acres), Ratul Fabrics Ltd. (5 acres), Active Composite Mills Ltd. (2 acres), Rising Holdings Ltd. (10 acres), Rising Spinning Mills Ltd. (5 acres), Jessore Feed Ltd. (16 acres), Marina Properties (BD) Ltd. (21 Acre), Text Town Limited (5 Acres), Square Accessories Limited (12 Acres) and Square Electronics Limited (7 Acres) including a total of 18 companies.