The government has undertaken multiple initiatives to build hi-tech parks across the country. Their goal is to construct hi-tech parks in 12 zilas by 2020— to create job opportunities for the youth. They can earn from companies that outsource and produce world-class software domestically. The government believes this sector will be a key source of national revenue.
Following this, on May 20, 2013, the then-Managing Director of Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority Hosne Ara Begum sent a letter to the Kishoreganj District Commissioner to requisition land for the construction of the much-awaited Kishoreganj Hi-Tech Park.
Additional District Commissioner (Revenue) Kazi Abed Hossain replied on May 7, 2015, saying that there is no land available in the 13 upazilas of Kishoreganj for the construction of a hi-tech park.
In addition to this, Managing Director (Routine Duty) of the Hi-Tech Park Authority Syed Emdadul Haq again pushed a letter to requisition land on April 6, 2017, and responded to the District Commissioners office by suggesting remote areas of Etna zila and Katiadi upazila be used for the construction of the hi-tech Park.
However the present Additional District Commissioner Dulal Chandra Sutradhar said he is unaware of the proceedings and did not want to comment on the matter.
When asked for his observations, Former District Commissioner Md Ajimuddin Biswas said: “We really want a High-Tech Park in Kishoreganj but according to our surveys there is no suitable land for the construction of a hi-tech park. Now it is up to the Hi-Tech Park Authority to find a solution for this situation.”
This makes the future of the Kishoreganj Hi-Tech Park uncertain.
Later, a full report on the present situation of the Kishoreganj Hi-Tech Park’s construction was published in Doinik Banik Barta 24 newspaper, on January 24, 2018. This has increased the higher authority’s pressure on the District Administration.
Additionally, on July 3, 2018 present Kishoreganj District Commissioner Md Sarwar Murshed Chowdhury approved 28 acres of desolate land for the construction of the Kishorganj Hi-Tech Park; land which formerly belonged to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works. The dedication shown by the present Kishoreganj District Commissioner Md Sarwar Murshed Chowdhury has given new life to the project.
All the paperwork has been completed and the construction of the hi-tech park is underway.
