An important defense industrial zone is being built in Mirsarai

For the first time in Bangladesh, the government has taken a policy decision to set up a 'Defence Industrial Zone' in the Mirsrai Economic Zone of Chittagong for the purpose of producing military equipment.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Governing Board of Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA). The chief adviser of the interim government. At the end of the meeting held under the chairmanship of Muhammad Yunus, Beza Executive Chairman (with the status of State Minister) Ashiq Chowdhury confirmed the matter.

He said that in the current global security situation, it has become necessary to develop own production capacity in the defense sector. As seen in various recent war situations, shortage of ammunition and basic military equipment is a bigger crisis than high-tech weapons.

It was informed in the meeting that about 80 acres of land will be included as Defense Industrial Zone in the master plan of Mirsrai Economic Zone. Besides, a policy decision has also been taken to identify around 850 acres of land earmarked for Indian Economic Zone but later canceled as Defense Industrial Park.

Ashiq Chowdhury said, as this area is reusable, it will be included as a Defense Industrial Park in the Besar Master Plan.

Regarding the investment in the Defense Industrial Park, he said that although there is currently a government arms factory in the country, this new zone will be based on the private sector. Domestic and foreign investors can participate here and there will be an opportunity to export the military equipment produced from here abroad.

He further said that in the global context, the demand in the defense industry is increasing rapidly and it is very important for the country to have its own production capacity in times of supply crunch.