SLC-S33/W3 | Beyond the Map : Then & Now

Steemian Friends,
Every place has its own history. With time, new chapters are added to that history. Some places retain their old traditions, while others gain a completely new identity with the touch of modern development. Comilla EPZ is a shining example of this. Where once there was the old Comilla Airport, a modern Export Processing Zone (EPZ) has now been developed, playing an important role in the country's economic development. Recently, I got the opportunity to visit Comilla EPZ, and the experience was truly memorable. That is why I chose Comilla EPZ to participate in the challenge. I have shown the location below using the Steem-atlas pin code.

In front of the Comilla EPZ

As soon as you reach the main gate of the EPZ, you will see a modern and orderly environment. The security system is very strong, and the entrance is clean and attractively decorated. The well-maintained flower gardens and green grass around the gate make the entire area more attractive. Just by looking at the environment here, you can understand that this is not just an industrial area, but a modern working environment that has been planned. General access is prohibited here, so I have shared pictures of the places I have entered.

Second Security Entrance Gate

There has been a Comilla airport here since the British era. When I was a child, I used to come to Comilla city and watch the planes take off and land at the airport area. Around 2000, the Bangladesh government built the Comilla EPZ in place of the Comilla airport. Currently, about 50,000 people are employed in the Comilla EPZ. There are about a hundred domestic and foreign factories. The old Comilla airport has now been transformed into an EPZ built with a modern design. You can find out about the old Comilla airport by searching on Google.

EPZ Zone office

After entering, the wide roads, rows of trees, and clean environment impressed me. The greenery all around made the busy industrial area much calmer and more lively. Large shady trees, clean lawns, and colorful flower plants planted in different places filled the entire area with aesthetic beauty. Along with industrialization, it seems that the issue of environmental conservation has also been considered seriously here.

A parade of greenery on both sides of the road

The residential area of ​​Comilla EPZ is also quite beautiful and orderly. The housing built for the working officers and employees has been arranged in a planned manner. Clean roads, playgrounds, trees, and a peaceful environment have made this area comfortable to live in. Such a green and peaceful residential environment is truly commendable even in the midst of a busy industrial area.

Residential Area

During the trip, it seemed that the history of the airport had come alive in a new form. Although the scene of aircraft taking off and landing is no longer there, that vast land has become a source of employment for countless people. The activities of various industrial establishments are making a significant contribution to increasing the country's export earnings and strengthening the local economy.

A green festoon on both sides of the old airport runway

What I liked most about this trip was the beautiful combination of nature and development. The presence of greenery amidst the concrete structures has kept the environment fresh. Looking at the cleanliness, order, and planned infrastructure, it is easy to understand how a modern industrial area can also be environmentally friendly. The area is a major workplace for local and foreign people. Comilla EPZ is the fourth largest economic zone in our country.

My Selfie

All in all, Comilla EPZ is not just an industrial area; it is a living symbol of changing times. The transformation from the old Comilla Airport to today's modern EPZ proves that the identity of a place can be completely transformed with proper planning and development. This trip allowed me to get acquainted with a unique place formed by a combination of history, development, and nature, which will remain indelible in my memory for a long time.

Where is this place located, how can visitors reach it, and when did you visit it?

Comilla EPZ is located on Kuchaitli Medical Road from Thomson Bridge in Comilla city. Being a well-known industrial area of ​​the city, it can be easily reached by private car, motorcycle, CNG autorickshaw, rickshaw, or local bus. The communication system from different places in Comilla city is quite convenient. I went to visit Comilla EPZ this afternoon. The pleasant weather of the afternoon, clean environment, and green plants around made the trip more enjoyable and memorable.

Comilla EPZ Gate no-01

What is the history of this place, and why is it important to your town or city?

The history of Comilla EPZ is quite significant. Once this area was known as the old Comilla Airport. With the change of time, when the airport ceased operations, the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) re-planned the area and converted it into a modern industrial zone. Currently, various domestic and foreign industrial enterprises are operating production activities here, and employment opportunities have been created for thousands of people. This place is very important for the city of Comilla, because it plays an important role in strengthening the local economy as well as developing the industrialization and export sector. At the same time, due to the planned infrastructure, clean environment, and greenery, Comilla EPZ is not only an industrial area, but also known as a successful example of modern development and change of times.

Banking booth for employees of Comilla EPZ

How has this place changed over the years, or what evidence of its past can still be seen today?

Over the years, the Comilla EPZ has undergone significant changes. Once it was the old Comilla Airport, where planes used to take off and land and passengers used to move regularly. After the airport's operations were stopped, the area was systematically transformed into a modern industrial area. Today, it has developed factories, wide roads, modern infrastructure, well-planned residential areas, and an environment surrounded by greenery, which has given the area a completely new identity. However, some memories of the past still survive. The memories of the local people about the location of some parts of the old airport's vast flat land and long runway can be found in the imprint of that history. So, although the Comilla EPZ is now a symbol of modern industrialization, its past airport identity is still an important part of the history of the place.

Comilla EPZ Mill Guidelines

What can visitors experience or learn by visiting this place today?

Today, visitors can get a real idea of ​​the activities of a modern and well-planned industrial zone by visiting the Comilla EPZ. Here, the clean environment, wide roads, lush greenery, and well-organized infrastructure highlight the beautiful combination of industrialization and environmental conservation. Visitors can also see how an old airport has transformed over time into an industrial zone that has made a significant contribution to the country's economy and employment. A visit to this place creates an opportunity to learn and understand new things about development, planning, environmental protection, and the importance of industry.

Super shop for the convenience of shopping for employees of Comilla EPZ

Why do you think this place should be preserved and remembered for future generations?

I think that the Comilla EPZ should be preserved and remembered for future generations because it is a unique example of the successful transformation of a place. Once it was the old airport of Comilla, and today it is one of the most important industrial areas of the country, where thousands of people are employed, and a significant contribution is being made to the export sector. This transformation will teach future generations that even an old establishment can be turned into a center of new possibilities through proper planning, development, and foresight. Besides, the clean environment, planned infrastructure, and greenery here are an excellent example of sustainable development, which will help future generations realize the importance of development and environmental protection.

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