Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman (EC) Shaikh Yusuf Harun urged the investors on Wednesday to ensure proper use of the lands, allocated to them in different economic zones (EZs), as per the signed agreements.
Some investors are properly developing their plots, while some others are not doing so, he noted.
"Some of the investors got their land allocation - as much as 500 acres - in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar (BSMSN), but they haven't yet begun necessary works there," the BEZA chief also said, and hinted that the BEZA may take actions in this regard.
"We may primarily take steps against those, who have not begun works within the stipulated time as per the agreements."
Mr Harun opined that there was no scope for the investors to keep their lands unused and wait for increase in their prices, as happened to the BSCIC industrial plots in many cases.
He made the remarks as the chair of a ceremony for signing land lease agreements between the BEZA and six companies, held at his office in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.
The companies were Healthcare Pharmaceuticals, Ifad Motors, East West Travels & Tours, and three separate entities of DIRD Group.
Welcoming the investors, the BEZA chief said the authority under the Prime Minister's Office is providing all required facilities to the investors.
With relentless efforts, a number of units in the BSMSN have already begun their manufacturing process. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the commercial operations of several industrial units and development works of different EZs on October 24, he added.
BEZA Executive Member Abdul Azim Chowdhury signed the agreements on behalf of the government. Deputy Managing Director of Healthcare Pharma Muhammad Halimuzzaman, Managing Director (MD) of Ifad Motors Taskeen Ahmed, MD of East West Travels Mahamudul Hassan, and Director of DIRD Group Shejuti Daulah inked the deals of behalf of their respective sides.
The lessee companies are set to invest a total of US$457.13 million in two EZs for establishing five hotels, motels and resorts along with a pharmaceutical products manufacturing unit.
Healthcare Pharma got land allocation of 10 acres - in addition to its existing 30 acres - for establishing an industrial unit in the BSMSN.
The remaining companies will construct hotels, motels and resorts at Sabrang Tourism Park (STP) in Cox's Bazar at a cost of $57.13 million altogether. These will create scopes of employment for more than 8,000 people.
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