The Government of Bangladesh has announced a major expansion of the country’s industrial infrastructure with plans to establish new Export Processing Zones (EPZs) in Barishal and Lalmonirhat, alongside additional economic zones in Gazipur, Barguna, and Pirojpur. The decision, reported on June 14, 2026, is aimed at attracting foreign investment, increasing export capacity, and creating thousands of new jobs in regions that have historically been underserved by industrial development.
A Strategic Push for Industrial Growth
Bangladesh’s EPZ program, managed by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), has been a cornerstone of the country’s export-driven industrialization strategy since 1980. The existing EPZs — located in Dhaka, Chattogram, Cumilla, Mongla, Ishwardi, Uttara, and Karnaphuli — have attracted billions in foreign direct investment and employ hundreds of thousands of workers, primarily in the garment, textile, and apparel manufacturing sectors.
By expanding into Barishal and Lalmonirhat, the government is signaling a deliberate effort to decentralize industrial activity and bring economic opportunities to the northern and southwestern regions of the country. Barishal, a river-port city in south-central Bangladesh, stands to benefit from improved logistics connectivity, while Lalmonirhat, in the Rangpur division, could become a hub for light manufacturing, garment processing, and agricultural product packaging.
What This Means for the Apparel and Printing Industries
For the garment and apparel sector — which accounts for over 80% of Bangladesh’s total exports and employs more than 4 million workers — the creation of new EPZs opens up fresh possibilities. Lower land costs, government incentives, and an abundant labor pool in these regions make them attractive destinations for both domestic and foreign investors looking to set up cut-and-make operations, fabric printing facilities, and accessory manufacturing units.
The printing and packaging industries stand to gain significantly as well. Every new factory requires custom labels, hang tags, packaging printing, screen printing equipment, and branded promotional materials. Local suppliers of printing services, transfer paper, screen mesh, and digital printing technology are likely to see increased demand as new EPZ operations come online.
Complementing the Economic Zone Expansion
The planned economic zones in Gazipur, Barguna, and Pirojpur add another layer to this industrial growth strategy. Gazipur, already a major garment manufacturing corridor adjacent to Dhaka, is expected to receive further investment in textile mills, dyeing facilities, and vertically integrated apparel plants. Barguna and Pirojpur, both coastal districts in the Barishal division, could see development in frozen food processing, leather goods, and light engineering alongside garment-related industries.
Bangladesh’s Garment Industry at a Crossroads
Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest garment exporter, with exports reaching approximately 9 billion in 2025. However, the industry faces challenges including shifting US sourcing patterns, EU market changes, and increasing competition from countries like Vietnam and Cambodia. The EPZ expansion is part of a broader strategy to diversify product offerings, adopt new technologies, and move up the value chain beyond basic cut-and-make operations.
The government has set an ambitious target of 3.5 billion in total exports by FY 2025-2026, with textiles and garments expected to contribute around 4.49 billion. New infrastructure like these EPZs will be critical to achieving that goal.
Looking Ahead
As Bangladesh continues to expand its industrial footprint, the opportunities for apparel businesses, printing companies, and custom merchandise suppliers continue to grow. From custom workwear and corporate branding for new factory employees to labeled packaging and promotional apparel for export-oriented businesses, the ripple effects of this industrial expansion will be felt across the supply chain.