LALMONIRHAT, June 16, 2026 (BSS) - Enthusiasm is growing across Lalmonirhat 
following the government's initiative to establish an Export Processing Zone 
(EPZ) in the district, a move widely viewed as a milestone for economic 
development, investment promotion and employment generation in northern 
Bangladesh.

People from various sectors, including politicians, business leaders, 
educators, journalists, physicians, and social activists, have welcomed the 
proposed EPZ, describing it as a transformative step that could reshape the 
district's economic landscape.

Former President of the Lalmonirhat Chamber of Commerce and social worker 
Abdul Hamid Babu termed the initiative both timely and promising. 

He said the EPZ would create employment opportunities for local unemployed 
youths and contribute significantly to poverty reduction.

Zila Parishad Administrator AKM Mominul Haque described the project as a new 
horizon for economic progress in the region. 

He said that the establishment of an EPZ in Lalmonirhat would attract 
domestic and foreign investment, paving the way for industrial growth 
throughout northern Bangladesh.

District BNP leader Afzal Hossain echoed similar sentiments, stating that the 
project would accelerate the district's economic advancement by drawing 
investors and expanding industrial activities.

Local journalists Jinnatul Jinna and Alfur Rahman Altaf also welcomed the 
initiative, saying it would energize the district's economy and create new 
development opportunities.

According to economic analysts, successful implementation of the EPZ would 
position Lalmonirhat as a significant contributor to Bangladesh's export-
oriented industrial sector, enhancing its importance not only in the northern 
region but also nationwide.

Sources at the Deputy Commissioner's office said the government has decided 
to establish a new EPZ in Lalmonirhat and Barishal, alongside economic zones 
in Gazipur, Barguna, and Pirojpur. The Cabinet Division has already sent 
instructions to the relevant authorities, including the Prime Minister's 
Office, to facilitate the initiative.

The proposal for an EPZ in Lalmonirhat received special attention during the 
Deputy Commissioners' Conference held in May last. In his presentation, 
Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Rashedul Haque Pradhan highlighted the 
district's strong agricultural base, particularly its production of paddy, 
potatoes, and maize, as well as the strategic advantages offered by the 
Burimari Land Port and railway connectivity for export-oriented industries.

"If the EPZ is established, local people will no longer need to migrate to 
Dhaka in search of jobs," the Deputy Commissioner said. "Industrial zones 
will develop within the district itself, creating large-scale employment 
opportunities."

Bangladesh currently has eight EPZs operating under the Bangladesh Export 
Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA). Stakeholders believe that the addition of 
a new EPZ in Lalmonirhat would strengthen the country's export sector and 
promote balanced regional development.

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Rashedul Haque Pradhan told BSS that discussions 
with the relevant ministries are ongoing. He said that upon receiving 
government directives, authorities would begin identifying a suitable 
location, assessing land availability, and evaluating infrastructure 
requirements. Necessary administrative measures would be taken promptly in 
coordination with the concerned agencies.

President of the Lalmonirhat Chamber of Commerce, Md. Selim Sabuj, credited 
the initiative to the long-standing efforts of Relief Minister Asadul Habib 
Dulu. 

He expressed optimism that the EPZ would further strengthen the district's 
industrial and economic foundations.

Local entrepreneur and businessman Shafiqul Islam Manna said the EPZ would 
provide a major boost to trade and commerce in the district. 

He said the project would create new investment opportunities for small and 
medium-sized enterprises and expressed gratitude to the government and Relief 
Minister Asadul Habib Dulu for taking the initiative.

If implemented successfully, the Lalmonirhat EPZ is expected to become a 
catalyst for industrialization, investment, and employment, transforming the 
district into a key economic hub in the northern Bangladesh.