The government is considering the establishment of a Free Trade Zone (FTZ) on 400 acres of land in Anwara upazila, near the southern end of the Karnaphuli Tunnel in Chattogram, aiming to attract foreign investment and strengthen the country’s industrial base.

Officials said the proposed FTZ would allow foreign companies to set up manufacturing facilities, export their products globally, and take advantage of Bangladesh’s labour force, all while bypassing bureaucratic delays that often hinder business operations in the country.

The move is part of the interim government’s broader strategy to align with global trends in trade liberalisation and investment promotion. Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) formed a national committee on April 21 to carry out a feasibility study on the project.

On May 8, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Executive Chairman of BEZA, visited the proposed site. He highlighted the strategic advantages of the location, citing its close proximity to both Chattogram Port and Shah Amanat International Airport, which would offer significant logistical benefits to investors.

Experts have described the initiative as a potential game changer for Bangladesh’s economy, capable of attracting foreign capital, creating employment opportunities, and boosting export earnings.

The proposal is still in the early stages, pending the outcome of the feasibility study and subsequent government approvals.