Project Description – Pre-feasibility Study of Arisha Smart Economic Zone, a Private Economic Zone of Maisha Group

Maisha Group engaged Young Consultants (YC) to conduct a comprehensive pre-feasibility study for the proposed Arisha Smart Economic Zone in Keraniganj, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The assignment aimed to assess the suitability and development potential of the proposed site and establish a preliminary understanding of the project’s technical, economic, financial, environmental, social, marketing, and urban planning considerations. The study also included the preparation of a detailed master plan and economic modelling to support the client’s assessment of the proposed investment and its development prospects.

The assignment commenced with a review of available background information on the proposed site, followed by field visits to examine its location, size, physical characteristics, surrounding land uses, infrastructure connectivity, and environmental and social conditions. YC assessed the site’s overall suitability for large-scale economic zone development and identified potential constraints or critical issues that could affect project implementation, including factors that might make development impractical or financially prohibitive to mitigate.

A detailed assessment of the surrounding area was undertaken to understand the site’s regional context and accessibility. This included identifying nearby urban and rural communities, schools, hospitals, and key regional infrastructure, including airports, railways, seaports, and national highways. The team examined neighbouring land uses, including residential areas and other activities that could be adversely affected by the proposed economic zone. Potential environmental and social concerns in the surrounding areas were also reviewed to identify risks and constraints relevant to the project’s feasibility.

The physical and geographical characteristics of the proposed site were assessed through field observations and site investigations. The assessment covered landscape features, soil characteristics based on visual assessment rather than soil testing, earthquake-related considerations, climatic conditions, vegetation, existing land uses, and agricultural activities. YC also documented existing infrastructure and structures, such as bridges, dams, retaining walls, buildings, houses, mosques, historical structures, and graveyards, where present. Existing industrial activities and potential informal or illegal settlements were considered, alongside other site-specific constraints that could influence development planning.

Environmental assessment formed an important component of the pre-feasibility study. YC examined potential exposure to flooding and erosion, the presence and implications of rivers and water bodies, and the possible need for land filling to achieve suitable development levels. The study also considered wetlands and protected areas within and around the site, potential sources of pollution and contamination, the availability of clean water and alternative water sources, wastewater discharge and treatment arrangements, and the proximity of solid waste disposal facilities. These factors were reviewed to identify environmental risks, infrastructure requirements, and potential constraints that could affect the suitability and sustainability of the proposed economic zone.

The assignment included a preliminary assessment of the social conditions of the site and its surrounding communities. YC examined the characteristics of nearby urban and rural populations, existing housing conditions, community facilities and services, and the principal livelihoods of local inhabitants, including agriculture, fishing, livestock-related activities, and small businesses where applicable. Particular attention was given to the potential implications of the proposed economic zone for women’s livelihoods, community wellbeing, and possible resettlement requirements. The findings were intended to inform the project’s preliminary social assessment and identify issues requiring further consideration during subsequent planning and development stages.

YC also assessed the preliminary financial and infrastructure-related requirements of the proposed development. This included estimating the potential cost of establishing the economic zone, identifying land development costs, and examining the costs associated with connecting essential utilities such as gas, electricity, and telecommunications, together with other related development expenditures. The financial assessment was considered alongside the site’s physical, environmental, social, and infrastructure characteristics to support an integrated evaluation of the project’s development prospects.

Stakeholder consultation was undertaken throughout the assignment. YC met with the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and other relevant government officials, consulted the local Assistant Commissioner (Land) and other officials, and participated in meetings with Maisha Group as required. These consultations supported the review of site-related issues, institutional considerations, and requirements relevant to the proposed economic zone.

Building on the findings of the site assessment and stakeholder consultations, YC prepared a detailed master plan for the proposed Arisha Smart Economic Zone and conducted economic modelling of the proposed development. The team presented its assessment findings to the client and prepared a draft pre-feasibility report. Following receipt of the client’s observations and suggestions, YC incorporated the relevant feedback and finalised the report. The resulting study provided Maisha Group with a structured assessment of the proposed site’s development potential, major constraints, preliminary infrastructure and financial requirements, and key considerations for further project planning.

Key Assignment Details
Client: Maisha Group
Project Name: Arisha Smart Economic Zone
Country and Location: Keraniganj, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Assignment Value: Approximately US$45,000
Assignment Duration: 3 months, as stated
Start Date: March 2016
Completion Date: June 2016
Total Staff Input: 9 staff-months
Professional Staff-Months: 9
Associated Consultants: Not applicable
Client Address: House #03, Sima Blossom (6th Floor), Road #16 (Old-27), Dhanmondi, Dhaka
Client Telephone: +88 02 9144552
Senior Professional Staff and Roles

M. Zakir Hossain – Team Leader
Eng. AKM Rabiul Islam – Master Planning Expert
Dr. Mostafa M. Kamal – Environmental Expert
Prof. Salma Akhter – Social Expert
Md. Moshiur Rahman – Social Expert
Dr. Akhter Hussain Chaudhury – Urban Planner
Md. Shafiul Islam – Topographical Survey Specialist
Sadia Islam – Junior Urban Planner
Busra Ferdous Khan – Economic Analyst
Eng. Tanvir – Junior Civil Engineer