Photo : PMO

SANGSAD BHABAN, June 11, 2026 (BSS) - Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud 
Chowdhury has proposed introducing a new chapter and several provisions in 
the Customs Act to facilitate the establishment of Free Trade Zones (FTZs), 
aiming to expand trade and investment and strengthen Bangladesh's integration 
into global supply chains.

The proposal was unveiled today while placing the national budget of 
approximately Taka 9.38 lakh crore for fiscal year 2026-27 in the Jatiya 
Sangsad (JS) this afternoon.

Under the proposed framework, goods will be allowed to enter Free Trade Zones 
without payment of customs duties for storage, grading, packaging, 
manufacturing and processing activities intended for export. 

The initiative is designed to create a business environment similar to those 
operating successfully in many countries around the world.

The finance minister said goods from the Free Trade Zones would also be 
allowed to enter the domestic market upon payment of the applicable duties 
and taxes, ensuring revenue protection while enhancing commercial 
flexibility.

The proposed zones would significantly reduce supply-chain lead times for 
domestic enterprises, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and 
micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), he said, adding, "The measure is 
also expected to ease working capital pressures on businesses by allowing 
them to source and process imported inputs more efficiently."

According to the finance minister, the initiative will help improve trade 
facilitation, attract investment, enhance export competitiveness and support 
the country's broader economic growth objectives.