Photo : TDM
Mirsarai, once known for its wet grasslands and limited land usage, is undergoing a remarkable transformation.
The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Industrial City, the largest economic zone in the country, has found its home in Mirsarai.
Spearheaded by the renowned construction company, China Harbour Engineering Company, the implementation of this ambitious project is well underway. With relentless efforts, the completion of the remaining infrastructure development is expected by the end of this year, pending favorable weather conditions and other related factors.
The untouched lands near the Sandwip channel, including Sadhur Char, Sheeler Char, Mosharaf Char, Pirer Char, Sonagazi, Sitakunda upazila of Ichakhali Union in Mirsarai Upazila of Chattogram District, and parts of Feni District, have now emerged as sought-after investment hubs for both domestic and international investors. What was once unsuitable for cultivation due to brackish waters and limited land usage for cattle grazing and fish farming, is now set to become thriving capital cities.
A colossal development project is currently underway, covering an extensive 30 thousand acres of grassland, with the aim of transforming these areas into vibrant economic and industrial centers. The prospects are promising, as numerous industrial companies have expressed their intentions to commence production within this period.
However, the transformation doesn't stop at industrialization. Mirsarai's natural beauty, which was previously underappreciated, is now taking center stage. The char areas, once rarely visited, even during daylight, are becoming a draw for tourists from far and wide. The interplay of wet grasslands and the Bay of Bengal creates a unique landscape that promises to captivate millions of visitors. With the industrial boom, Mirsarai is on its way to becoming not just an economic powerhouse but also a remarkable tourist destination.
As the development project unfolds, Mirsarai is poised to embrace its newfound status, bridging the gap between industry and nature. The concerted efforts of China Harbour Engineering Company and other stakeholders are set to reshape the region's destiny, bringing prosperity and recognition to this once-overlooked corner of Bangladesh.
Upon examining the land, it is evident that China Harbour Engineering Company has overseen the construction of infrastructure, including road networks, land development, and the creation of 7 canals and 7 sluice gates spanning a 30-kilometer area.
Furthermore, a 19-kilometer paved road has been built across the Mirsarai Economic Zone, with additional roads, guide walls, and a Marine Drive road connecting to the region. In collaboration with the Water Development Board, China Harbour Engineering Company is also constructing a 22.540 km of super dyke with slope protection, marine drive road along the coastline, amounting to a cost of Tk 1,200 crore. Reservoirs have been established on two acres of land to provide water supply to all the factories.
According to the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), a total of 136 domestic and foreign companies have already invested $17,839 million in the entire industrial city, covering 5,043 acres of land. These investments are expected to generate employment opportunities for approximately 752,593 individuals.
In the Mirsarai area of Shilpa Nagar, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib has commenced production at four major factories. These factories include Asian Paints from India, Nippon Steel from Japan, McDonald's, and Samuda Construction Limited, a subsidiary of TK Group. Additionally, there are ongoing construction projects for Bashundhara Multi Steel Industries Limited, Bashundhara Chemical Industries Limited, Bashundhara Prefabricated Building Manufacturing Limited, Marico Bangladesh Limited, Kiam Metal Limited, SQ Electronic Limited, and Samuda Food Products Limited.
Since assuming responsibility in 2017, 90% of the land and infrastructure development work has been completed and the remaining tasks will be finalized within this year if everything goes well, according to the Project Manager Mr. Zhang Hailong, The project's progress report will be presented to the authoritie.
Engineer Mosharraf Hossain, who serves as a Member of Parliament for the Mirsarai Parliamentary Constituency and is also a Presidium Member of Bangladesh Awami League, expressed to "The Bangladesh Today" that the development of an industrial city in our district and area is a stroke of luck, particularly for the residents of Chattogram. He envisions this industrial city becoming a thriving metropolis similar to Singapore or Malaysia. There is hope that this industrial city will be fully operational within the next few years, providing employment opportunities for millions of individuals upon its completion.
TDM/NM
