Dhaka, Jan. 26 -- The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) will set up the country's first Defence Industrial Zone in Mirsarai, Chattogram, to produce military equipment for domestic use and export.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) on Monday, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus.

Speaking at a post-meeting press conference at the Foreign Service Academy, BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun said the zone will be developed on about 850 acres of land in Mirsarai, and the decision was made in consultation with the Armed Forces Division and with government approval.

Ashik said the zone will initially focus on the production of basic warfare equipment. "Recent war...