Staff Correspondent:

The government plans to establish the Panchagarh Economic Zone to foster the growth of textiles, readymade garments (RMG), and agro-processing industries, with the aim of attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) and expanding these sectors to increase exports and bolster the nation’s economy.

In this regard, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has outlined an ambitious plan to develop the Panchagarh Economic Zone on approximately 580 acres of land in Debiganj, Panchagarh, located within the Rangpur division, according to sources.

The objective of the project is to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, enhance exports, and contribute to socio-economic development, ultimately supporting the country’s overall development goals.

The project is estimated to cost between Tk2,933.03 crore and Tk4,016.32 crore, with a significant portion – around Tk2,686.65 crore – allocated for the development of road networks surrounding the economic zone.

Additionally, Tk60.8 crore will be spent on power distribution, Tk180 crore to Tk1,260 crore on gas supply, Tk3.98 crore for a drainage plan, and Tk1.6 crore for telecommunication infrastructure in the zone, according to BEZA.

A senior official that the economic zone will be constructed with government funding to attract substantial foreign investment, fostering rapid economic development through industrial diversification and job creation.

The initiative aims to boost the export of textiles, RMG products, and agro-processing items, thereby earning foreign currency and stimulating economic growth in the region, the official added.

BEZA is working to establish economic zones across Bangladesh, targeting areas that offer strategic advantages in terms of connectivity to domestic markets, neighbouring countries, trade corridors, and proximity to key economic hubs.

The authorities will serve as promoters and service providers to ensure efficient transportation networks, reliable utilities, modern logistics facilities, and seamless connectivity to ports, airports, and major highways.

The aim is to alleviate the unemployment crisis and spur economic growth in the area. As of 2022, around 22.8% of the total population of Panchagarh resided in Debiganj upazila.

Approximately 42% of the employable population is already employed, leaving a workforce that is ready to be engaged in the economic zone, sources revealed.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING

There are no significant wildlife hotspots or flora and fauna species of national or international conservation importance in the area. Monthly maximum rainfall ranges from 109 mm to 551 mm.

The proposed Panchagarh Economic Zone is situated on a floodplain and is susceptible to flooding. It also falls within earthquake Zone II, which is considered moderately active in terms of earthquake risk from a Bangladeshi perspective.

POWER DISTRIBUTION

The Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (BREB) has established three 33/11 KV distribution substations (Debiganj 1, Debiganj 2, and Debiganj 3) to supply electricity to the Debiganj area.

BEZA has proposed constructing two new 33/11 KV substations (Panchagarh EZ-1 and EZ-2), along with a 30 MVA AIS substation, 33 kV overhead lines (2 km), and a 33 kV overhead double circuit line (6 km).

ROAD NETWORK

There are five notable roadways and national highways in the vicinity. According to BEZA’s proposal, the Boda-Domar, Dhaka-Banglabandha, Rajshahi-Naogaon, Saidpur-Nilphamari highways, and Sonahar Road will be upgraded to ensure smooth communication with the economic zone.

WATER SUPPLY

Currently, there is no water supply network either on-site or off-site, and surface water from the River Karatoya is not available throughout the year.

BEZA has proposed installing a sufficient number of deep tube wells in the proposed economic zone area to source groundwater.

TELECOMMUNICATION

Optical fibre communication and a telephone exchange are available in Debiganj upazila, approximately 5.5km from the proposed economic zone. BEZA plans to establish a 400 sqft control room for BTCL, providing a 10 Gbps bandwidth connection.

DRAINAGE PLAN

Rainwater from the proposed economic zone and its surrounding area naturally flows into low-lying areas and eventually drains into the River Karatoya.

BEZA’s proposal includes the construction of a canal leading to the Karatoya, with embankments on both sides to handle drainage discharge of 38 m³/sec at the outlet.

GAS SUPPLY

A gas network operated by Gas Transmission Company Limited (GTCL) connects the Sirajganj and Bogura gas stations, located 180km from the proposed site.

BEZA has proposed two options: Option A involves an 8-inch gas pipeline from Bogura GTCL to the Panchagarh Economic Zone, while Option B proposes a 6-inch gas pipeline from Saidpur CGS to the zone.