Aman Group, which was awarded a prequalification licence to set up an economic zone, demanded gas connections as early as possible to help the business conglomerate start production at its new factories in the zone. “Though we have deposited the security money, we are yet to get the new gas connections,” said Rafiqul Islam, chairman and managing director of Aman Group, which is setting up the economic zone on a 150-acre land in Narayanganj. The group is primarily investing around Tk 2,100 crore to establish the economic zone, where various industries such as cement, packaging, shipyard, food and beverage, steel manufacturing and power generation will be set up. “If we don’t get the gas supply, we will have to look for alternative energy. That will increase our investment cost,” he said, while seeking Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority’s assistance in getting the utility connection. Islam raised his demand while speaking at the prequalification licence awarding ceremony held at the Beza office in Dhaka yesterday. Beza Executive Chairman Paban Chowdhury handed over the licence to Islam. In response, Chowdhury said they have already sat with Petrobangla, Titas Gas and the Energy and Mineral Resources Division to expedite gas connections for industries in the private economic zones. “The Energy and Mineral Resources Division has sought a plan from us assuring that industries in the economic zones will get priority in getting gas connections,” he said, adding that they will sit with the division soon with the plan. “We hope there will be no problem in gas connections,” Chowdhury said. Although Aman Group’s economic zone will be set up on 150 acres of land, the prequalification licence was for 90 acres. Beza will award another licence for the remaining 60 acres after the group meets certain conditions. The “Aman Economic Zone” will be the sixth economic zone to be built by a private sector entity. The economic zone, which will be well-connected with Dhaka and Chittagong, will create 15,000 jobs in the next four years. Employment opportunities for another 10,000 will be created in the following phases. Presently, Aman Group employs 13,500 people, and its annual turnover is around Tk 3,000 crore. Beza earlier awarded prequalification licences to four private companies to set up five economic zones — one each to AK Khan and Company, Abdul Monem Ltd, Bay Group, and two to Meghna Group. The government is also setting up four economic zones under the public sector: Mirsarai Economic Zone in Chittagong, Mongla Economic Zone in Bagerhat, Srihatta Economic Zone in Moulvibazar and Sabrang Tourism Park in Cox’s Bazar. The ten economic zones are part of Beza’s plan to develop 100 such zones by 2030 on 75,000 acres, and to create jobs for one crore people.
