DHAKA, April 15, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has entered its 46th year of operations today, marking its 45th anniversary since its formal inception in 1981.

According to a press release, BEPZA has grown from a visionary initiative into a key driver of the national economy and a global branding platform for "Made in Bangladesh."

Although the EPZs occupy less than 0.001 percent of the country's total land area-around 3,550 acres-they play a significant role in export earnings and foreign investment.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, BEPZA zones accounted for 17.03 percent of national exports and 19.47 percent of total foreign direct investment (FDI).

Over the past 45 years, the authority has attracted $7.29 billion in investment and facilitated exports worth over $125 billion. The efficiency of the zones is reflected in the contribution of each acre of land, which generates approximately Taka 13.82 crore annually for the economy.

The press release said that BEPZA has also contributed to industrial diversification beyond the ready-made garments (RMG) sector. At present, 32 percent of its 450 active factories produce RMG products, while the remaining 68 percent manufacture diverse goods including automobile parts, camera lenses, drones, archery equipment and caskets.

The BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsarai is emerging as a hub for high-tech industries, including the country's first commercial drone manufacturing facility.

BEPZA currently employs over 5.5 lakh workers, a large portion of whom are women, contributing to social empowerment and workforce inclusion.
Workers in EPZs receive a minimum wage of Taka 12,800 excluding food and transport, compared to Taka 12,500 including allowances in outside factories.

The authority is also recognized for its commitment to sustainable industrialization, with 27 LEED-certified green factories, including eight Platinum-rated units. It has introduced Central Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP), renewable energy initiatives and improved water management systems.

To expand industrial capacity, BEPZA is developing two new EPZs in Jashore and Patuakhali, with plot allocation expected within the year. 
Two additional EPZs have also been proposed for Rangpur and Sirajganj.

Despite global economic challenges, BEPZA signed investment agreements worth $629.93 million with 30 local and foreign companies in the first nine months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, reflecting continued investor confidence.