Spatiotemporal analysis and urbanization trajectories of private economic zones in Bangladesh using remote sensing

Abstract

This study evaluates the development of 12 Private Economic Zones (PEZs) in Bangladesh from 2018 to 2025 using multi-source remote sensing and spatial analysis. Sentinel-2 imagery, nighttime-light data, and population data were combined to assess changes in land use, urbanization, and human activity. Three development indices—NUI, ECUI, and NLDI—were used, followed by K-Means clustering to identify different development patterns. The results reveal substantial differences among the zones, with Meghna, City, and East West Special Economic Zones showing consistently high development, while Hossaindi Economic Zone experienced the most significant transformation. The study demonstrates that physical land development, nighttime activity, and population growth may progress at different rates, highlighting the importance of a multidimensional approach to monitoring PEZ development.