Investment Growth at Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park: A New Era for Tech Development
Overview of Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park
The Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park is entering a transformative phase, seeing a remarkable uptick in investment activity that promises to invigorate the region’s technology sector. Following a period of inactivity, both local and international companies are now establishing a presence in the park, signaling optimism for the future.
Major Players Entering the Market
Several prominent organizations have initiated operations or investment activities within the park. Notable companies include:
- Starlink: The American technology giant has committed to a one-acre plot on a 40-year lease, establishing a sophisticated ground station to provide satellite-based high-speed internet services.
- Agni System: This local firm has secured its own plot and is poised to contribute to the burgeoning tech ecosystem.
- Brac IT: Already operational on two acres, they are expanding their technological services.
- PRAN-RFL Group: This significant player is in the process of securing space within the 12-storey Silicon Tower.
Revitalization of Commercial Space
Initially, the park’s commercial plots saw limited activity, with eight plots remaining unleased for a considerable time. However, recent months have brought substantial changes, with all plots now leased during a rapid succession of deals. Jewel Kibria, the Deputy Director of Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park, noted that additional plots are set aside for large companies, ensuring ongoing expansion; he anticipates that operational activities will ramp up significantly in the coming months.
Starlink’s Ground Station: A Central Hub for Connectivity
Starlink, a leader in satellite internet technology, has formally launched its services in Bangladesh, with Rajshahi playing a crucial role. Under a partnership with the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority, they will pay $2 per square meter for the leased land, along with service fees, to create a central node for high-speed internet across the nation.
Managed by Bondstine Technology Limited (BTL), preparations are already underway at the Rajshahi ground station, with ten antennas installed and plans for an additional thirty. BTL’s CEO, Meer Shahrukh Islam, indicated the establishment of a robotics and Internet of Things (IoT) research center, further solidifying Rajshahi’s role in technology advancement.
Employment and Economic Growth
The flourishing investment landscape suggests that Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park could generate around 3,000 new jobs in the next six months. Situated along the banks of the Padma River, the park is positioning itself as a vibrant hub for local youth, promoting technology-driven careers and entrepreneurship.
Silicon Tower: The Heart of the Hi-Tech Park
The park’s main architectural feature, the 12-storey Silicon Tower, encompasses 84,661 square feet, with significant portions dedicated to various firms. A total of 16 companies currently occupy 58,416 square feet, and leasing activities for an additional 24,637 square feet are nearing conclusion.
Large Bangladeshi firms like Chaldal and PRAN-RFL Group are also leasing spaces within the tower to establish IT and customer service centers, enhancing their service offerings. PRAN-RFL aims to introduce business process outsourcing and training services, while Chaldal intends to recruit professionals specializing in graphic design and technical support.
Infrastructure and Investment
Developed at a cost of Tk 335 crore over 31 acres adjacent to the Rajshahi Court area, the park was officially handed over to the Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority in June 2024. Currently, 19 companies operate across 18 blocks in the Silicon Tower, with 11 already functional and others on the way to launch. In addition, seven software firms are leveraging the park’s IT Training and Incubation Center to nurture future talent.
A Promising Future for Rajshahi
With continual investments pouring into the Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park, industry leaders express confidence that Rajshahi is swiftly emerging as a pivotal regional hub for technology and innovation. For more detailed information on tech developments across Bangladesh, visit BSS News. The growth of the Rajshahi Hi-Tech Park is an encouraging indication of the region’s potential in the global tech landscape.
