Feasibility Assessment to set up a Dormitory and Training Centre (DTC) in the Uttara EPZ under the NARI Project

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) implemented a project titled “Northern Areas Reduction of Poverty Initiatives (NARI)”. NARI’s objective was to facilitate access to employment opportunities in the garment sector for poor and vulnerable women from Bangladesh’s poorest regions, namely the districts of Rangpur, Kurigram, Nilphamari, Lalmonirhat and Gaibandha (delivering areas), by providing information, technical- and “life-skills” training, transportation, housing and other support for qualifying for jobs and for adjustment to urban life and employment.

Under the NARI project, initially, 3 (three) Export Processing Zones (EPZs), i.e., Dhaka, Karnaphuli and Ishwardi, were designated as the receiving areas for building dormitories and training centers, based on earlier assessments. However, during the approval of the DPP, the concerned authorities decided to explore the possibility of including the Uttara EPZ as another receiving area. In this regard, the authorities decided to commission a feasibility assessment for the site of the Uttara EPZ as a receiving area under the NARI Project. YC was assigned to conduct the feasibility study by the World Bank.