Infrastructure Shortages Erode Investor Confidence in Economic Zones: Only 27 Companies in Production

Dhaka, August 10, 2026 — Infrastructure and utility shortages are eroding investor confidence in Bangladesh's economic zones — with only 27 companies currently in production across five government economic zones covering 39,000 acres, and just 37 percent of allocated land operational, according to the Bangladesh Economic Zones Investors' Association (BEZIA).

⚠️ The Problem

MA Jabbar, Chairman of BEZIA, raised the concerns at a meeting between BGMEA and BEZIA at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka. Many companies have yet to begin production because of utility shortages and slow infrastructure development. The meeting stressed the need to urgently resolve shortages of uninterrupted gas and electricity supply.

📋 Demands from BGMEA and BEZIA

• 🛡️ Waive BEZA service charges on utility bills until uninterrupted supply is ensured
• 💰 Equal cash incentives for investors inside economic zones (matching outside zones)
• 📜 Waive 15% VAT on lease tariffs (currently double taxation: master leaseholder + sub-lessee both pay)
• 📦 Allow deemed exports to domestic bond-licence holders without EXP/EP documentation
• 🏢 Make 99-year lease mutations bankable
• ✅ Fully implement one-stop services in economic zones