Staff Correspondent
Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck is set to visit Kurigram during his tour to Bangladesh later this month to attend the Independence Day celebrations.
On March 28, he will visit the proposed “Bhutanese Special Economic Zone” in Kurigram, a joint initiative of the governments of Bangladesh and Bhutan. Before returning, he will return to Bhutan via India using the Sonahat Land Port of Bhurungamari Upazila of the district.
In a bilateral meeting with the King and Queen of Bhutan in London in May 2023, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina proposed the establishment of a special economic zone in Kurigram. Later, the district administration and Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (Beza) started proceedings to set up the SEZ.
The district administration has already handed over 133.92 acres of Khas land under Madhabaram Mauza of Bhogdanga Union to Beza. This land is located at the eastern end of the Dharala Bridge. Sources said there is an opportunity to acquire land at that place if necessary.
After visiting the site on Thursday, Beza Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun said a memorandum of understanding is expected to be signed between the two countries during the King's visit. After completing the overall legal process between the two countries and preparing the space, it will be possible to start the full operation of the SEZ within the next three years. If the economic zone is opened, it will create employment for the people of Kurigram.
In response to the question on the negative impact of an industrial zone on the banks of the Dharala River and the environment, the Beza chief said: "Industrialization will be done here in accordance with international norms. As a result, there will be no possibility of environmental or river pollution.”
Among others, Joint Secretary and Beza General Manager (Finance and Budget) Dr Shaikh Mohammad Jobayed Hossain, Kurigram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saidul Arif, Superintendent of Police Al Asad Md Mahfuzul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Uttam Kumar Roy, Kurigram Municipal Mayor Kaziul Islam, and Sadar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Musfiqul Alam Halim accompanied the Beza executive chairman.
