Bangladesh had initially requested proposals from two Indian companies for land development work in the Indian Economic Zone project in Mirsharai but faced difficulties as these companies withdrew from the bidding process. In response, the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) plans to reopen the tender, allowing both Indian and Bangladeshi contractors to participate. However, India has not yet approved this change. BEZA has sent a revised project proposal with increased costs to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The project, initially approved in 2019 and funded by a $115 million line of credit from India, aims to develop infrastructure on 900 acres to attract Indian investors. Due to delays, the completion deadline has been extended to June 2025, and the project’s cost is expected to rise significantly.
At a recent meeting, Bangladesh sought India’s consent to include Bangladeshi contractors in the re-tendering process, but India has not yet responded. BEZA officials have indicated that if India does not agree or provide suitable contractors, they may withdraw from the agreement and develop the land for Bangladeshi investors instead.
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