The Feni Corridor, known as Bangladesh’s ‘Chicken Neck,’ serves as the vital artery for 90% of the country’s import-export activities, connecting the capital Dhaka with the bustling port city of Chittagong. However, this crucial corridor now faces a significant controversy that could jeopardize its integrity.
As part of a project to establish the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Industrial City in Sonagazi, Feni District, the government has allocated 900 acres of land for an Indian economic zone—free of charge. Similarly, 110 acres have been earmarked in the Mongla area of Bagerhat for the same purpose. This allocation is based on a memorandum of understanding signed between the governments of Bangladesh and India in 2015.
The decision raises pressing concerns about the impact on Bangladesh’s sovereignty. If this land is handed over to India, the Chittagong region risks becoming isolated from the mainland. Particularly alarming is India’s restrictive access to areas adjacent to the Chicken Neck; why should we allow them to establish an economic zone within our own territory?
Recently, following the announcement to cancel ten economic zones, there has been no clarification regarding the 900 acres allocated to India. Does this not pose a threat to our economic interests?
Civil society is now urgently calling for the cancellation of this land allocation to India and the establishment of a cantonment in its place. The critical question remains: how likely is the government to take appropriate action on this matter?
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