Activists are concerned about how enough land will be found for the zones without compromising agricultural production or infringing residents' rights.
Saleh Ahmed, project director for infrastructure development at the Narayanganj Japanese economic zone, which has yet to start operating, said it would minimise negative impacts on the environment and establish good practices for others to follow. The site will have a central facility to treat liquid waste before it is discharged, preventing pollution of local rivers and canals, he explained.
As the evening prayer call sounded across Narayanganj district in central Bangladesh, Mohammad Masum planted vegetables on his small strip of land next to a new Japanese-backed industrial hub, elevated above the surrounding area to avoid flooding.
Farmers are showing interest to use more of their lands to cultivate hybrid rice, encouraged by an increase in domestic market prices, said seed sellers yesterday.