KHULNA,  – Construction work of Khulna Hi-Tech Park in Rupsha area here will begin in July this year.

The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Ministry has taken the initiative to construct the Hi-Tech Park at an estimated cost of Taka 154 crore on 4.15 acres of land with a view to making educated youths employed, said official sources.

”The government had taken an initiative about 10 years back to construct the Hi Tech Park in Khulna, but it was delayed due to lack of suitable land,” the official added.

Later, the government has taken decesion to set up the hi-tech park on the land of the defunct Dada Match Factory.

Located near the bank of Rupsha River in East Rupsha area in the city, the Dada Match Factory was established on 18 acres of land in 1955. The factory has been closed due to different problems, including ownership feud, in
August, 2010. The Khulna district administration took over the factory at that time, official added.

Project Director of Khulna Hi-Tech Park Md Golam Mostofa told BSS that a consulting firm under the ICT Ministry is now preparing design and tender for the construction work of the park will be floated soon.

A seven-storied building with 20,000 square feet area and a three-storied building with 18,000 square feet along with other infrastructures including garage, roads and a dormitory will be constructed there, he said.

Talking to BSS, Deputy Commissioner of Khulna Md Helal Hossain said the project has been approved by ECNEC about six month ago involving Tk 154 crore. “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the project in next July,” he added.

The government will patronise ICT entrepreneours here specially. At least 400 youths who have taken ICT-based training from Khulna District Administration under the capacity building project will be provided here, he
said, adding that around 7,500 educated youths will get job after completion of the project.

The hi-tech park will be operational to fulfill the dreams of educated youths of the region, he said. State Minister for ICT Junaid Ahmed Palak visited the spot in April last year.