DHAKA (Dunya News) – Bangladesh has announced the cancellation of a planned Indian Economic Zone in Chattogram, deciding instead to develop the area as a Defense Economic Zone aimed at strengthening the country’s military and defense industry.
Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmood Bin Harun said the decision was taken during a governing board meeting and formally announced at a press conference in Dhaka.
He explained that the land previously allocated for the Indian Economic Zone in Chattogram will now be used to promote local capacity in defense production, including weapons and military equipment, to meet both domestic needs and international demand.
Officials said the initiative is being coordinated with the Armed Forces Division, the Ministry of Defense and the Chief Adviser’s Office. Around 850 acres of vacant land, identified for the earlier project until June last year, has now been earmarked for the new defense-focused zone.
Authorities added that Bangladesh is also consulting friendly countries on the development of the project, although specific defense products to be manufactured will be decided based on demand and national requirements.
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