BEPZA takes over possession of land acquired for Jashore EPZ

BEPZA has taken over the possession of the land acquired by the district administration for setting up the Jashore Export Processing Zone (JEPZ).

Muhammad Abraul Hasan Mojumder, deputy commissioner (DC) of Jashore, formally handed over the possession of about 503 acres of land to BEPZA on Saturday, according to a press release.

In presence of Mohammad Faruque Alam, member (Engineering) of BEPZA, Project Director of Jashore EPZ Md Yousuf Pasha took over the possession of the acquired land on behalf of BEPZA.

Earlier on 19 November 2023, BEPZA handed over a cheque for Tk 2.66 billion to the district administration to pay compensation in favour of the land owners.

A policy decision was taken in the 34th Governors’ Board Meeting of BEPZA, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 12 November 2019, to establish an EPZ in Jashore aiming to foster socio-economic development in the south-western region of the country.

To implement this decision, 503 acres of land in Prembagh Union of Abhaynagar Upazila of Jashore District was acquired by the district administration which was handed over through this ceremony.

Officers of Jashore EPZ Project and district administration, along with local representatives, were present during this time.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on 09 November 2023 approved the project worth over Tk 16.78 billion (Tk 1678.29 crore) for setting up Jashore EPZ.

According to the project proposal, 400 industrial plots will be prepared for investors aiming to attract US$ 2 billion in investment. The fully operational EPZ is expected to create 150,000 direct and 300,000 indirect employment opportunities, contributing US$ 2.4 billion annually to the county’s total export.