From vision to vanguard of Bangladesh’s industrial Transformation

Former Hon’ble Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia along with other officials offering prayers
after the inauguration of Adamjee EPZ

As the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) completes 45 years of excellence and steps into its 46th year on April 15, 2026, it stands as a testament to resilience and progress. In the tapestry of the nation’s economic and social evolution, few institutions have contributed as steadily and profoundly as BEPZA.

The foundation: A visionary beginning

The journey began with a visionary decision by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. In the post-independence era of the late 1970s, Bangladesh was navigating a fragile economic landscape marked by minimal foreign investment, negligible exports, and limited employment opportunities beyond agriculture. Recognizing these challenges, and drawing upon global development perspectives, including the World Bank’s recommendations during that period, he envisioned a structured approach to industrialization through export-oriented growth.

This vision materialized with the enactment of the BEPZA Act in 1980, followed by the formal establishment of BEPZA through a government gazette notification on April 15, 1981-ushering in a new era of planned industrialization. As a result, the country’s first Export Processing Zone was established in the port city of Chattogram in 1983. This pioneering initiative not only introduced export-oriented manufacturing but also positioned Bangladesh as an emerging destination for foreign investment.

Expansion: Igniting an industrial revolution

Continuing the legacy, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia expanded the EPZ network across the country. Under her leadership, Dhaka EPZ was established in 1993, igniting rapid industrialization in the outskirts of the capital-transforming Savar and Ashulia into thriving industrial belts. Her strategic decision to convert defunct state-owned enterprises-most notably Adamjee Jute Mills and Chittagong Steel Mills-into Adamjee EPZ and Karnaphuli EPZ in 2006 stands as a testament to pragmatic economic leadership.

Today, BEPZA operates eight EPZs alongside the BEPZA Economic Zone, with two additional zones in Jashore and Patuakhali under development-reflecting its commitment to inclusive growth. From Uttara EPZ in the north to Karnaphuli EPZ in the south, each zone contributes uniquely to the country’s industrial landscape. Uttara EPZ has transformed the northern economy while promoting women’s empowerment and product diversification, while Adamjee EPZ has emerged as a hub for high-value exports.

Massive impact, minimal land

With eight fully operational EPZs and the newly operational BEPZA Economic Zone, the organization occupies only about 0.001% of the country’s total land-yet delivers a disproportionately large economic impact. Since inception, BEPZA has attracted approximately US$ 7.30 billion in investment and generated cumulative exports exceeding US$ 125 billion as of March 2026, contributing around 15-20% of national export earnings.

Former Hon’ble Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia addressing a program
following the inauguration of Dhaka EPZ

A skilled and inclusive workforce

Across its zones, BEPZA has created employment opportunities for over 551,000 Bangladeshi nationals, with significant participation of women. From rural plains to industrial hubs, EPZs have become platforms for economic empowerment and professional growth. By blending traditional diligence with modern technical training, this workforce is driving increasingly sophisticated manufacturing. At the same time, BEPZA emphasizes training, skill development, and worker welfare—ensuring a motivated, capable, and inclusive workforce.

Driving product diversification

While the national export remains largely dependent on garments, BEPZA has successfully paved the way in diversifying the export basket. Of the 448 operational enterprises within the zones, only 32% are in the RMG sector, while the remaining 68% produce a wide array of high-value, non-traditional goods. The BEPZA portfolio now includes sophisticated products such as camera lenses, mobile phone parts, golf shafts, bicycle components, Hollywood masks, synthetic wigs, medical supplies, and even eco-friendly bamboo coffins, strengthening the nation’s export resilience.

Commitment to sustainable industrialization

Sustainability lies at the core of BEPZA’s development approach. Enterprises within EPZs maintain strict environmental compliance, supported by Central Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) in several zones. Ishwardi EPZ hosts the country’s first LEED Platinum-certified green factory, setting a benchmark for eco-friendly industrial development. In addition, the expansion of solar energy use reflects BEPZA’s commitment to cleaner production and reduced carbon emissions.

Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia inaugurating BEPZA Complex in 2005

Advancing socio-economic development

BEPZA’s legacy is not only economic but deeply social. EPZs have triggered satellite urbanization, improved livelihood of the locality, and nurtured local entrepreneurship. Each zone houses hospitals or medical centers offering free healthcare for workers. Most operate BEPZA Public School & College, providing quality education to workers’ children with a 50% subsidy. Day-care centers support working parent.

The journey to the zenith

As BEPZA enters its 46th year, it remains a forward-looking institution grounded in trust and driven by transformation. With the BEPZA Economic Zone now operational and new zones in Jashore and Patuakhali on the horizon, the authority is poised for a new era of global competitiveness. From a visionary concept to a global vanguard, the journey of BEPZA continues-with resilience, purpose, and the promise of a prosperous Bangladesh.