BEPZA, Economic Zones and Special Investment Areas in Bangladesh
Bangladesh operates several special investment zones designed to attract export-oriented foreign direct investment through tax incentives, streamlined regulation, and dedicated infrastructure. The principal frameworks are administered by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) and the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).
Export Processing Zones (EPZs)
Bangladesh's eight EPZs — including Chittagong EPZ, Dhaka EPZ, and Comilla EPZ — offer 100% foreign ownership, tax holidays for up to 12 years, duty-free import of capital machinery and raw materials, and simplified labour and customs procedures under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority Act, 1980. Investors in EPZs deal directly with BEPZA rather than multiple government agencies.
Economic Zones (EZs)
Under the Bangladesh Economic Zones Act, 2010, BEZA has established or is developing over 100 economic zones across Bangladesh, open to both domestic and foreign investors, including non-export-oriented industries. EZ investors receive similar incentives to EPZ investors but with broader sector eligibility.
Hi-Tech Parks
The Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority (BHTPA) operates dedicated zones for technology, software, and IT-enabled services companies, with specific incentives for the ICT sector.
LegalBD advises on zone selection, BEPZA/BEZA registration, lease agreements for industrial plots, and ongoing compliance within special investment zones. Contact us for zone-specific legal advice.