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Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority

autonomous · verified (verified 2026-05-17)

Profile

Head
Mohammad Moazzem Hossain
Role
Executive Chairman
Annual budget
—
Staff
—
Established
1980
Legal basis
Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority Act, 1980 (Act No. 36 of 1980); notified in force 14 April 1981 via gazette SRO 113-L/81 dated 13 April 1981; amended by Ordinance No. LII of 1986 (added Section 24) and Ordinance No. LII of 1996 (substituted Section 2)

BEPZA is in an active expansion phase: 8 operational EPZs generating US$8.22 billion in exports in FY25 (17.03% of national exports), a new Economic Zone (BEPZA EZ) at Mirsharai now with 50+ investors and US$334 million drawn in its first 8 months, two new EPZs under site development (Jashore, Patuakhali - plot allocation due 2026), and two more in planning (Rangpur, Sirajganj). Investment deals of US$629.93 million signed in the first 9 months of FY2025-26. Green factory count stands at 27 LEED-certified units including 8 Platinum.

Recent activity

Provenance & notes

BEPZA was established by Act No. 36 of 1980 and commenced operations 14 April 1981. The first EPZ (Chittagong EPZ) opened in 1983. Currently 8 operational EPZs: Chittagong, Dhaka (Savar), Comilla, Adamjee (Siddhirganj/Narayanganj), Ishwardi (Pabna), Mongla (Bagerhat), Uttara (Nilphamari), and Karnaphuli (Patenga/Chittagong). A separate BEPZA Economic Zone (BEPZA EZ) operates at Mirsharai, Chattogram - this is a newer mixed-investment zone distinct from the 8 legacy EPZs. Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain is the 18th Executive Chairman, appointed 21 September 2025 on deputation from the Bangladesh Army (confirmed by BSS and TBS). Staff count and annual BDT budget are not publicly disaggregated in accessible government sources; set to null. FY25 FDI into EPZs was 19.47% of Bangladesh total FDI; H1 FY25 foreign investment in EPZs dropped 22.33% year-on-year to US$126.33 million (from US$162.66 million H1 FY24) even as exports rose 22.41%, indicating investment-earnings divergence worth monitoring. 27 LEED-certified green factories in EPZs, 8 rated Platinum.

Sources