DHAKA, Feb 03, 2026 (BSS) – The interim government has issued a new ordinance repealing the ‘Bangladesh Private Export Processing Zone (EPZ) Act, 1996,’ effectively bringing all private EPZs under the direct supervision and control of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).

Under the new "Bangladesh Private Export Processing Zones (Repeal) Ordinance, 2026," all existing private EPZs will henceforth be treated as ‘Private Economic Zones’. 

The Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs published the gazette for this ordinance on Monday.

According to Dr Md Rezaul Karim, Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, the ordinance takes effect immediately. 

While the 1996 Act is repealed, Section 2 of the new ordinance ensures that all actions previously taken or measures adopted under the old law will remain protected and valid.

As per Section 2(2-a) of the ordinance, all private EPZs established under the 1996 Act will now be governed by the ‘Bangladesh Economic Zone Act, 2010’. The responsibility for the management and supervision of these zones is now officially vested in BEZA.

The ordinance clarifies that existing licenses will remain valid, meaning entrepreneurs do not need to reapply for new licenses due to the change in legislation. Furthermore, existing bonded and concessionary benefits for these zones will stay in place. BEZA is empowered to take all necessary measures to ensure the smooth operation of these economic zones.

Regarding administrative changes, the previous ‘Board of Governors’ and ‘Executive Cell’ for private EPZs have been abolished. 

Officers and employees currently serving in the Executive Cell will be transferred to BEZA, and their current service terms and conditions will remain unchanged for the time being. Additionally, any ongoing legal proceedings or cases involving the abolished board or cell will now continue with BEZA as the concerned party.

The original law was enacted in 1996 by the then-government to expand investment and export trade through the establishment of private EPZs. The current government decided to repeal the act after assessing its effectiveness and necessity in the present context.