What Is BHTPA?
BHTPA (Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority) is the government agency responsible for establishing, managing, and promoting hi-tech parks and software technology parks across Bangladesh. It operates under the ICT Division of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology.
BHTPA's mission is to create world-class IT infrastructure to attract technology investment, grow the IT/ITES/BPO sector, and position Bangladesh as a competitive technology outsourcing destination.
Authority Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority |
| Established | 2010 (Hi-Tech Park Authority Act 2010) |
| Reporting to | ICT Division, Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and IT |
| Website | bhtpa.gov.bd |
| Focus | IT, ITES, BPO, software development, hardware manufacturing, R&D, training |
Hi-Tech Parks and Software Technology Parks
| Park | Location | Status | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janata Tower STP | Kawran Bazar, Dhaka | Operational | Existing building converted to IT space — central Dhaka location |
| Kaliakair Hi-Tech Park | Gazipur | Operational (phase 1) | 232 acres, flagship park, data centre, incubator, commercial plots |
| Jessore STP | Jessore | Operational | IT training + BPO hub, Sheikh Hasina Software Technology Park |
| Sylhet STP | Sylhet | Operational | IT office space, training centre |
| Rajshahi STP | Rajshahi | Operational | IT hub for northern Bangladesh |
| Mohakhali IT Village | Mohakhali, Dhaka | Under development | Prime Dhaka location, multi-storey IT complex |
| Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City | Gazipur | Under development | 355 acres, designed as integrated technology city |
| Others | Chattogram, Habiganj, Natore, Cox\'s Bazar, Jashore | Various stages | Regional IT parks across the country |
Building and Infrastructure
What BHTPA Parks Typically Provide
| Facility | Detail |
|---|---|
| Office space | Ready-to-move-in furnished/unfurnished office space for IT companies |
| Power | Dedicated power supply with generator backup — critical for IT operations |
| Internet | High-bandwidth fibre connectivity — often multi-ISP with redundancy |
| Data centre | Kaliakair has a Tier III-equivalent data centre facility |
| Fire safety | Built-in fire detection and suppression systems in newer parks |
| Security | 24/7 security, CCTV, access control |
| Conference/training | Shared conference rooms, training centres, incubation spaces |
| Transport | Staff transport services (particularly for Kaliakair — 40km from Dhaka centre) |
Incentives for Hi-Tech Park Tenants
| Incentive | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tax holiday | 10-year corporate tax exemption for IT/ITES companies operating from hi-tech parks |
| Tax exemption on IT exports | Income from IT/ITES export is tax-exempt until 2024 (extended periodically) |
| Duty-free import | Capital machinery, equipment, and construction materials can be imported duty-free |
| Simplified approvals | BHTPA one-window service for utility connections, work permits, visas |
| Subsidised rent | Below-market rent in government-built park facilities |
| Repatriation | 100% repatriation of invested capital and dividends permitted |
Building Compliance in Hi-Tech Parks
- Building plan: BHTPA approves construction within park boundaries (not RAJUK)
- Fire safety: New park buildings are designed with fire detection and suppression — but maintenance responsibility transfers to tenants/park management
- Power: Dedicated power with backup — but verify actual generator capacity and UPS availability
- Internet: High-bandwidth — but verify SLA, redundancy, and actual delivered speeds
- Data centre: Kaliakair data centre aims for Tier III — verify actual uptime SLA and certifications
- Accessibility: Kaliakair park is 40km from central Dhaka — staff commute is a significant consideration
Choosing a Hi-Tech Park vs Non-Park Location
| Factor | Hi-Tech Park | Non-Park (Commercial Office) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax incentives | Significant (10-year holiday) | Standard tax |
| Infrastructure | Purpose-built for IT | Varies — may need significant fit-out |
| Location | Often outside city centre (Kaliakair, etc.) | Can choose central business district |
| Internet | High-bandwidth, dedicated | Must arrange independently |
| Staff commute | May be challenging (Kaliakair) | Central locations easier |
| Flexibility | Limited to available spaces | Wide choice of buildings and sizes |
| Approval process | BHTPA one-window | Multi-agency (RAJUK, FSCD, DoE, etc.) |
Practical Guidance
- For IT companies: Evaluate tax savings vs commute impact. Kaliakair incentives are substantial but the 40km commute from Dhaka affects recruitment and retention.
- For BPO/ITES: Labour-intensive operations benefit most from park infrastructure and tax incentives. Staff transport is essential for non-central parks.
- For MNCs: BHTPA parks provide a formal, government-supported environment that simplifies regulatory compliance — attractive for risk-averse multinationals.
- For startups: STPs in Dhaka (Janata Tower, future Mohakhali) offer central-location benefits with some incentives — better for early-stage companies.
References
- BHTPA — Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority
- Bangladesh Hi-Tech Park Authority Act 2010
- ICT Division — Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and IT
- BASIS — Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services
Insights & Guidance
- BHTPA manages hi-tech parks and software technology parks across Bangladesh — purpose-built IT infrastructure with significant tax incentives.
- 10-year corporate tax holiday for companies operating from hi-tech parks. Duty-free import of equipment.
- Kaliakair Hi-Tech Park is the flagship (232 acres, data centre, incubator) but 40km from Dhaka — commute is a challenge.
- STPs in Dhaka (Janata Tower, future Mohakhali) offer central locations with some incentives.
- Building approvals within parks go through BHTPA — simpler than multi-agency process outside.
- Tax savings vs location/commute trade-off is the key decision factor.
Bangladesh's IT/ITES sector is a growing export earner and BHTPA parks are central to the government's strategy. For IT companies evaluating Bangladesh, understanding the hi-tech park ecosystem — infrastructure, incentives, and practical considerations — is essential for informed site selection.
- Location vs talent — park location too far from skilled workforce, affecting recruitment.
- Infrastructure promises vs reality — verify actual delivered infrastructure, not planned specifications.
- Incentive expiry — tax holidays have end dates; plan for transition to standard tax regime.
- BHTPA registration/allotment letter
- Tax exemption certificate
- Building facility SLA (power, internet, maintenance)
- Park compliance certificates
- Visit the park: actual infrastructure condition vs marketing material
- Talk to existing tenants about reliability (power, internet, services)
- Check transport options — how do staff get there?
- What is the actual uptime SLA for power and internet?
- What are the current tax incentives and when do they expire?
- How many companies are currently operating from this park?
- Tax planning — tax advisor for hi-tech park incentive structuring.
- IT infrastructure — data centre and network consultant for verifying facility specifications.
- Legal — lawyer for BHTPA lease/allotment agreement review.