Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has outlined an ambitious vision for the Maheshkhali-Matarbari project, declaring that the area will not only host a deep-sea port but will also give rise to a brand-new city positioned as a gateway for Bangladesh's global connectivity through the sea.
"It's not just about building a deep-sea port. We must work with a vision to develop a blue economy. The area should not be viewed merely as a facilitating zone. Rather, a new city will be born there, from where Bangladesh will build international connectivity. The sea will become our highway to the world."
He made this remark while meeting the newly formed Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA), led by Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, at the state guest house Jamuna on Wednesday.
During the meeting, MIDA presented a detailed roadmap for the Maheshkhali-Matarbari project, which will be implemented in three phases. The first phase will last from 2025-2030, the second 2030-2045, and the third 2045-2055.
MIDA Chairman Ashiq stated that the project is expected to create employment opportunities for approximately 2.5 million people and contribute $150 billion to the national GDP upon full implementation.
The chief adviser also emphasised the need for deep-sea exploration and marine research, noting that Bangladesh has yet to tap into the vast potential of its maritime domain.
He called for the establishment of dedicated research institutions, marine-focused academic programmes, and international collaboration to drive this initiative.
"We have never ventured into the ocean world, nor have we ever thought about it. There is no research or findings on this subject. We need to identify relevant studies from other countries, those that align well with our context, and conduct our own research. For this, institutions are necessary. We need to build academic capacity and organise international conferences on the ocean economy," he added.
Environmental sustainability and eco-tourism were also discussed during the meeting.
The chief adviser stressed the importance of preserving forestlands in Maheshkhali and proposed long-term planning for maintaining ecological balance while promoting development.
"We need to assess the current state of forestlands and decide how we envision them in the future," he said.
The meeting also included discussions about establishing an eco-tourism park.
Comments