Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) signed an agreement on Thursday on the construction, operation and revenue sharing of jetties and related facilities at the National Special Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Chattogram, and Sabrang Tourism Park in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.
The agreement was signed at the BEZA office, according to a press release.
The jetties and related facilities will be developed under a BIWTA project titled construction of jetties and related facilities in parts of Mirsarai and Sandwip in Chattogram, and Sonadia Island and Teknaf, including Sabrang and Jaliar Dwip, in Cox’s Bazar.
Under the agreement, BEZA has already identified 6.18 acres of land at the National Special Economic Zone and 5 acres at Sabrang Tourism Park for the construction of the facilities.
Net profit generated from the jetties will be shared between BEZA and BIWTA at a ratio of 45:55.
The jetty to be built at Sabrang Tourism Park will be used by tourists travelling from Cox’s Bazar to Saint Martin’s.
BEZA also said it is planning a centrally located jetty to provide long-term and modern facilities for investors at the National Special Economic Zone.
Among others, BEZA Executive Member for Planning and Development Major General (Retd) Md Nazrul Islam, Executive Member for Investment Development Saleh Ahmed, and Executive Member for Administration and Finance Mostafa Kamal were present at the signing ceremony.
BIWTA Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mostafa and other senior officials of the authority also attended the event.
In his remarks, BEZA Executive Member for Planning and Development Major General (Retd) Md Nazrul Islam described the agreement between BEZA and BIWTA as a milestone.
The jetty will play an important role in turning the National Special Economic Zone into a self-contained industrial zone, considering investors’ needs, he said.
BEZA Executive Member for Investment Development Saleh Ahmed said the authority had taken the initiative to set up a jetty at Sabrang Tourism Park despite various challenges, considering the tourism sector’s vast potential.
The jetty at Sabrang would create opportunities for developing attractive tourism facilities, he said, congratulating BIWTA for joining BEZA in the effort.
BIWTA Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mostafa said the authority was committed to completing the project successfully and effectively by using its previous experience in managing inland water transport in the country.
On behalf of BEZA, the agreement was signed by Executive Board Secretary and Joint Secretary to the government Dr Julia Moin.
On behalf of BIWTA, the agreement was signed by Director for Administration and Human Resources Md Saiful Islam.
