DHAKA: Bangladesh has cancelled an India-backed economic zone in Chattogram and reallocated around 850 acres of land to establish a Defence Economic Zone, officials said, marking a shift in the country’s industrial priorities.
Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun announced the decision at a press briefing in Dhaka, saying the move was approved by BEZA’s governing board.
He said the new Defence Economic Zone aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s domestic capacity in military and defence-related industries, including the production of equipment and supplies for the armed forces.
“The land had earlier been earmarked for the Indian economic zone, but that allocation was withdrawn last year. It will now be incorporated into the master plan as a Defence Economic Zone,” Harun said.
He added that discussions on developing defence manufacturing capabilities had been underway for some time, involving the Armed Forces Division, the Ministry of Defence and the Chief Adviser’s Office.
Harun said Bangladesh is assessing potential production lines based on domestic needs and international demand, noting that talks are also ongoing with friendly countries regarding possible cooperation.
Officials said the project is intended to support self-reliance in defence supplies while creating new industrial opportunities linked to military manufacturing.
