The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) was considering the establishment of a dedicated “Knit Village” at a suitable location in Bangladesh to support the development and concentration of knitwear-related industrial activities. In connection with this initiative, BKMEA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Finance Corporation’s Bangladesh Investment Climate Fund (IFC-BICF). Under this arrangement, Young Consultants (YC), in collaboration with an international firm and associated consultants, was engaged to undertake a comprehensive site assessment and pre-feasibility study of potential locations across six districts in Bangladesh. The assignment aimed to evaluate the physical characteristics, existing infrastructure, land-use patterns, environmental and social conditions, and development requirements of the proposed sites to inform site selection and the subsequent planning of the Knit Village project.
The scope of services included a systematic assessment of the physical and infrastructural conditions of the identified sites, with particular emphasis on determining their suitability for industrial development. The team identified and mapped site boundaries, assessed soil types and variations, examined topographical and landscape characteristics, and documented the distribution of vegetation, agricultural land, water bodies, settlements, and other significant natural and built features. Existing buildings, bridges, community facilities, and other structures were recorded, including their locations, construction characteristics, and apparent permanence. The assessment also documented prevailing land-use categories, such as residential, commercial, and institutional uses, and reviewed available municipal land-use maps and planning information to understand existing development controls and the intended future use of the proposed sites.
A further component of the assignment involved evaluating the availability, location, and adequacy of essential off-site and on-site infrastructure required for the proposed Knit Village. This included mapping existing roads and access points, identifying road classifications and conditions, and assessing the availability of utilities such as water supply, electricity, and telecommunications, including the populations or users served where information was available. The team also examined the locations of nearby villages, ponds, rivers, lakes, and other physical features that could influence site development. Consultations with relevant municipal planning authorities supported the review of existing land-use provisions and proposed development plans for the respective areas.
The technical assessment also considered the potential site preparation and infrastructure development requirements, including land filling, flood embankments, site grading, and roads designed to accommodate heavy goods vehicles. Indicative cost estimates were prepared for landfill and/or embankment construction, taking into account relevant material requirements, anticipated settlement periods, potential sources of fill material, and required fill or embankment heights. Unit cost estimates were also developed for site grading and heavy-truck access roads to support preliminary infrastructure costing and investment planning.
The assignment culminated in the preparation of a detailed site assessment report presenting the findings for the proposed locations, supported by maps, site descriptions, infrastructure assessments, indicative cost estimates, and recommendations. The results provided IFC-BICF and BKMEA with a technical basis for evaluating the suitability of potential sites and informing subsequent pre-feasibility analysis and master planning for the proposed Knit Village project.
Key Assignment Details
Sat - Thu: 09:30AM - 05:30PM
Fri: Closed
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