Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) is seeking guidance from top government officials on the future of two Indian special economic zones (SEZs) that have seen no significant progress in the past two years. One of the zones, located in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar in Chattogram, was planned for Indian investors under a Tk 845 crore project initiated in 2019. However, despite agreements with Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, the project has stalled due to a lack of response from Adani and complications with the Indian line of credit (LoC) terms.
The other SEZ, located near Mongla port in Bagerhat, also faces delays. India had agreed to provide $15 million in loans for this project, with Hiranandani Group appointed as the developer. However, progress has stalled, and Beza has had no communication with Indian authorities since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government in August.
Adani Group has expressed disinterest in proceeding with the Chattogram zone, citing unfavorable conditions and unpaid electricity bills from Bangladesh, amounting to over $900 million. BEZA executive chairman, Md Sarwar Bari, stated they may reallocate the land to other investors if India does not proceed with the projects.
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