DHAKA, April 9, 2026 (BSS) - In a major move to bolster maritime connectivity and industrial logistics, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) today signed a landmark agreement for the construction, operation, and revenue sharing of jetties at the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) and Sabrang Tourism Park.

The formal agreement was signed by Dr Julia Moin, Secretary of the BEZA Executive Board, and Md Saiful Islam, Director (Administration and Human Resources) for BIWTA.

The signing event, held at the BEZA headquarters in the city, was attended by senior officials including Major General (Retd) Md Nazrul Islam, Executive Member (Planning and Development); Saleh Ahmad (Executive Member, Investment Development); Mostafa Kamal (Executive Member, Administration and Finance), and senior representatives from the BIWTA, said a press release.

This inter-agency cooperation marks a significant step in the government's development agenda to streamline industrial transport and expand tourism infrastructure through a robust Public-Public Partnership framework.

These projects are part of a broader development initiative titled "Construction of jetties and related facilities in Mirsarai and Sandwip of Chattogram, Sonadia Island of Cox's Bazar, and Teknaf (Sabrang and Jaliar Island)," currently under implementation by BIWTA.

The agreement establishes a clear financial model for the commercial operation of the newly constructed facilities. 

It stipulates that the net profit derived from the operations of these jetties will be shared between the two state organisations at a 45:55 ratio, with BEZA retaining 45 percent and BIWTA receiving 55 percent of the net earnings.

The jetty at Sabrang Tourism Park is set to serve as the primary gateway for tourists travelling from Cox's Bazar to Saint Martin. 

By providing modern embarkation points, the project aims to resolve current transit hurdles, ensuring safer and more efficient passage for the hospitality sector. 

Officials noted that the development would unlock the potential for "eye-catching tourism structures" at Sabrang, creating a foundation for world-class tourism installations.

Simultaneously, BEZA is moving forward with plans to provide centralised, modern jetty facilities for investors at the NSEZ. This strategic integration is designed to transform the zone into a self-sufficient industrial hub, significantly enhancing the ease of doing business by providing a one-stop logistical solution for maritime transport within the economic zone.

Speaking at the ceremony, Major General (Retd) Md Nazrul Islam hailed the agreement as a milestone.

He emphasised that the jetties would play an extraordinary role in meeting the logistical requirements of investors and ensuring the NSEZ evolves into a fully self-sufficient industrial region.

Saleh Ahmad highlighted the vast potential of the tourism sector in Sabrang despite existing geographical challenges. 

He congratulated BIWTA for partnering in BEZA's progress, noting that the jetty would create the necessary infrastructure for aesthetic and functional tourism growth.

Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mustafa, Chairman of BIWTA, reaffirmed the authority's commitment to the project. 

He stated that BIWTA is determined to leverage its extensive expertise in inland water transport management to ensure the project is completed successfully and effectively.