Sylhet Bureau :
The under-constructed Bangabandhu Hi-Tech Park is opening new doors for domestic and foreign investment in Sylhet. 87 percent of the project work has already been completed. The rest of the work is expected to be completed this year. Once the work is completed, investment can be made in the technology sector. Besides, at least 50,000 people will be employed in this sector, the authorities said.
Meanwhile, various organizations have started investing in the Bangabandhu ICT Park. Many more are interested in investing; however, it is not possible to give space to some institutions due to the small size of the park. But if the space increases, the authorities will consider them.
It is learned that Bangabandhu ICT Park is being constructed on 163 acres of land in the Barni area of Companiganj upazila in Sylhet.
While visiting the spot, our correspondent found that the construction of three buildings has been completed. There is a beautiful bridge at the entrance of the ICT Park. After crossing the bridge, two places for security guards on the right and left were seen. A one-storey structure has also been constructed there. Just 200 meters behind – there are places for banks and administrative buildings. Park authorities say investors have begun investing in the high-tech park before work is completed. Sony Rangs bought 32 acres of land, 3 acres for a five-star hotel, 2 acres for a boat club, Agrani Bank on the right side of the bank building, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) on the third floor of the admin building, and four or five people have bought two floors and ground floor of the building.
Besides, many more investors have bought land there. Moreover, when the RFL company wanted 100 acres of land, it could not be given to them due to a lack of sufficient land. However, if the perimeter of the park is increased later, the park authorities will think about that.
The concerned say that if it is full of investors, about 50,000 people will be employed through development in the ICT sector. This will further improve Sylhet economically and socially.
The project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on April 25, 2017. State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak laid the foundation stone of the IT Business Center of the Hi-Tech Park on February 4, 2018.
Abu Taher Md. Shoaib, President of the Sylhet Chamber of Commerce, said the high-tech park is a new door of opportunity for the people of Sylhet. A large number of employment opportunities will be created here. Through this, the people of Sylhet will come forward with a bigger investment here. We have held many meetings and seminars on how to come forward to invest in high-tech parks.
Abdullah Al Faruque, the project engineer of Bangabandhu Hi-Tech Park, said the park is being constructed within the budget. The budget for this project is Tk 333 crore. 80 percent of the work has been completed. Hopefully, all the work will be completed by December this year.
Engineer Abdullah Al Faruque added that investors have started buying land. All the agreements are being finalized through the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. After applying as per the format given by the department, the contract is being made by sorting the verification. After the agreement, they will construct the building on their own accord. We will only provide them with land and utility facilities.
Bangabandhu Hi-Tech Park Sylhet Deputy Project Director S M Al Mamun said software, electronics products and parts will be made from here. Everyone can invest here as well. Many have started investing here. It has an IT business center of about 31,000 square feet, cable bridges, internal roads, gas lines and power substations.
