Fatikchhari:The government is considering the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) or an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in the Fatikchhari upazila, following a demand raised in parliament by local Member of Parliament Sarwar Alamgir. This initiative has sparked hope among the region's residents, who number in the hundreds of thousands.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sarwar Alamgir advocated for the creation of an export-oriented EPZ in Fatikchhari during the first day of the fourth session of Parliament. He addressed the matter through a "notice of urgent public importance" under Rule 71, urging the government to dispatch a high-level technical delegation from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) to evaluate the upazila's investment potential.
Fatikchhari is renowned for its tea and rubber plantations as well as its rich agricultural and natural resources. Despite being one of the country's largest constituencies by area and population, covering approximately 774 square kilometers and housing over 10 lakh people, the region lacks a major industrial hub. This has led many young people to seek employment in Chattogram city, other parts of the country, or abroad.
In response to Alamgir's proposal, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed told parliament that the proposal for establishing an economic or industrial zone in Fatikchhari is currently under review. The proposal has been forwarded to relevant authorities considering the location's investment potential, with assessments underway to determine land availability and essential infrastructure such as electricity, gas, and water.
This step follows a previous meeting on August 12 between Alamgir and BIDA Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, where Alamgir proposed a modern, well-planned economic zone for the region. He received assurances that a committee would be formed, and a survey team would be deployed to evaluate the feasibility of the proposal.
Alamgir emphasized Fatikchhari's immense potential for agro-based industries, food processing units, tea and rubber-related industries, light engineering, and SMEs. He expressed hope that planned industrialization would transform the local economy and called for BIDA to actively promote Fatikchhari as a promising investment destination.
Local residents are optimistic that a feasibility study will be completed soon, leading to a practical plan and investor facilities. A successful economic zone could diversify Fatikchhari’s economy, currently reliant on agriculture and natural resources, into a major industrial and investment hub, increasing local employment and economic development.
Shawkat Ullah Chowdhury, a prominent Chattogram businessman, praised the initiative as "highly positive" for Fatikchhari, citing its potential to accelerate national economic development by effectively harnessing the area's natural resources. He believes that the current administration's focus on public welfare will facilitate the swift establishment of the economic zone, paving the way for industrialization and new employment opportunities.