Two economic zones likely to be set up in Rajshahi and Natore would usher in a new era of expanding small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and creating employment opportunities in the area. Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) at a meeting on Oct 21 approved the proposal to set up economic zones. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting. Professor of the Department of Economics at Rajshahi University Dr. Elias Ali said, with the inauguration of two economic zones in Rajshahi and Natore, there would be the ‘circulation of blood’ in the trade and economy of the region. It would new entrepreneurs emerge and set up industries using the local raw materials. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam posted a status in his facebook account where he mentioned the proposed economic zones would boost economy, trade, employment and industrial activities in the region. He also elaborated the plan on the proposed economic zones. Rajshahi Economic Zone will be built on 204.06 acres of land covering Koyra, Joykrishnapur, Maria, Balanagar and Bhabanipur under Paba upazila. The proposed zone will be situated 10 kilometres away from the Harian railway station and 10 kilometres away from Rajshahi Airport. There are no habitat and other establishments in the area and it will need only six feet of earth filling to set up the industrial units there. Local people and public representatives of the areas have also supported the idea of setting up an economic zone here. It would cost Tk 960 million (96 crore) to acquire the land. Natore Economic Zone will be set up in an area covering 3,220 acres of land of Arji, Baknai, Rasulpur, Bondbost, Govindapur, Baltita, Lalpur and Char Jajira areas of Lalpur upazila. Most of the land of the areas are Khas land and situated only five kilometres away from Bagha-Rajshahi highway. The river Padma is five to six kilometres away from the proposed sit. Since gas pipelines cover Ishurdi, it will be easy to connect the proposed Natore Economic Zone with gas transmission lines. As the regions are fully agriculture-based, supply of required raw materials may be available locally.
