Selim Reza from Sirajganj :
The future of Sirajganj Economic Zone, Bangladesh’s largest private economic zone, is now uncertain as many individuals involved in the project, including Director Monowar Hossain, are reportedly on the run amid allegations of large-scale corruption, irregularities, and political misconduct during the previous Awami League government.
Concerns have arisen that this project, led primarily by affluent business figures connected to the former Awami League government, may have been initiated for personal gain rather than public interest.
Allegedly, project leaders misappropriated vast sums of money obtained from various sources under the guise of developing the country’s largest private economic zone, only to siphon much of it abroad instead of using it for the project.
Multiple complaints have now been submitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), calling for an investigation into these allegations and for strong legal action against those involved.
One of the central figures, Monowar Hossain, has reportedly gone into hiding following the government change.
He is also implicated in the death of 35-year-old handloom worker Yeahia Ali, who was fatally shot during a protest on August 4.
On that day, violence erupted, leading to the deaths of two students and fifteen police officers, with hundreds more, including students, injured.
Following the incident, Yeahia Ali’s wife, Shahana Khatun, filed a case with Enayetpur Police Station, naming about 700 individuals, including former MP and Mandal Group MD Md. Abdul Momin Mandal and Monowar Hossain.
With key figures like Hossain in hiding, the progress of the Sirajganj Economic Zone has stalled.
Although the project was initially expected to begin production by next year, this timeline now appears unattainable due to the absence of developers who are avoiding arrest.
The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) had granted final approval in 2018 for the Sirajganj Economic Zone, covering 1,041 acres near the Jamuna River’s western bank.
The license was awarded to a consortium of nine companies and two individual investors, including Knit Asia, Rising Holdings, Tex Town, and Paragon Feed, among others. Businessmen Ehsansul Habib and Mohammad Kamruzzaman are also involved.
The economic zone was envisioned as a major regional hub, with strong connectivity via road, river, air, and rail, expected to create employment for around 500,000 people across Sirajganj, Pabna, Bogura, and Natore districts, while also attracting significant local and foreign investment.