Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Feb 2, 2026 (BSS) - Business Research International Corporation (BRIC) 
is set to establish a large-scale agro-processing industry in the Jamalpur 
Economic Zone (JEZ) with an investment of approximately US$5.32 million. 

A land lease agreement was signed today between the Bangladesh Economic Zones 
Authority (BEZA) and BRIC at the BEZA Office in the city, said a press 
release. 

Executive Member (Investment Development) and Additional Secretary of BEZA 
Saleh Ahmed and Director and Vice President of BRIC Mishal Karim signed the 
agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

Under the agreement, BRIC will be allotted five acres of land to set up a 
modern, export-oriented, and eco-friendly industrial unit. The facility is 
expected to begin commercial production within the next three years. 

The primary products will include paste, pulp, and puree; juice and beverages 
and spices.

The project is designed to be environmentally friendly, requiring relatively 
low amounts of water, electricity, and gas. 

Furthermore, the company plans to source more than 50 percent of its raw 
materials locally, which will encourage the domestic agricultural market and 
strengthen the country's agro-based industrial sector. 

While catering to the internal market, BRIC intends to export 15 percent of 
its produced goods to international markets.

This new venture marks a strategic expansion for BRIC, which has been 
operating in Bangladesh for over three decades. BRIC is already the largest 
single investor in Renata Limited (pharmaceuticals) and holds significant 
investments in Direct Fresh Limited (food and commodity distribution) as well 
as the renewable energy sector. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Saleh Ahmed highlighted that the Jamalpur 
Economic Zone is evolving into a plug-and-play economic enclave. 

This investment serves as a prime example of BEZA's commitment to green 
industrialization and expressed hope that it would inspire further domestic 
and foreign investment in the region, he noted. 

The Jamalpur Economic Zone is the first government-owned economic zone in the 
Mymensingh Division, spanning 436 acres. 

According to feasibility reports, the zone is ideal for agro-based 
industries, light engineering, and garments. 

Significant infrastructure developments have already been completed, 
including gas connection lines and a 33/11 KVA power substation; 
administrative and dormitory buildings and boundary walls and ground-water 
reservoirs.

To date, 18 institutions have signed lease agreements to set up industries in 
this zone, with construction currently underway for six industrial units and 
one skill development center. 

Once fully operational, the zone is expected to create direct employment for 
approximately 32,000 people, contributing significantly to the sustainable 
economic growth of the region.