Dhaka Correspondent:
A new economic center of the country is going to be built around the coastal area of Maheshkhali-Matarbari in Bangladesh. Not just a deep seaport, but a modern and international standard city will be built there—this is the hope expressed by Principal Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Participating in a meeting with officials of the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday (September 3), he said,
“Moheshkhali-Matarbari will not only be a port city, but will give birth to a new city. Our international connectivity will be created from there. Bangladesh will enter a new horizon.”
Chairman of the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, members Commodore Tanjim Faruk and Md. Sarwar Alam were present at the meeting. In addition, Principal Advisor’s Chief Coordinator for SDG Affairs Lamia Morshed and Secretary of the Principal Advisor’s Office Md. Saifullah Panna were present.
MIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud gave a detailed presentation on the Maheshkhali-Matarbari Development Project at the meeting. He said that through an integrated plan, Maheshkhali will not only be developed as a center of industry and trade, but also as a center of tourism and modern urbanization.
At this time, he outlined the work plan for the next four months. It has given priority to infrastructure development, capacity building of the power and energy sector, facilitation of road-sea communication and environmental protection.
The Chief Advisor said that an international standard industrialization and trade center will be developed centered around the deep sea port. This will create new opportunities for direct communication not only with Bangladesh but also with different countries in Asia.
He also said,
“This will be a city where industry, business, tourism, modern housing and technology-based services will coexist. It will act as a transformative force for the economy of Bangladesh.”
Professor Yunus emphasized that the Maheshkhali-Matarbari project is not limited to just building a port. This will create new jobs across the coastal region, develop modern infrastructure, and change the quality of life of the local people.
He directed the concerned authorities to move forward with development activities as per the set schedule and also emphasized attracting international cooperation and investment.