‘Moheshkhali Matarbari to come out as a new city’
Staff Reporter :
The Moheshkhali-Matarbari initiative is poised to become one of Bangladesh’s most transformative development projects, with the potential to create direct and indirect employment for nearly 2.5 million people and contribute an estimated $150 billion to the national GDP.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, while addressing a meeting with members of the newly-formed Moheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday, described the project as far more than a deep-sea port.
“This is not just about building a port. We must think in terms of a blue economy and a global gateway. Moheshkhali and Matarbari will give rise to a modern city, opening up international connectivity through the sea-which will serve as our highway to the world,” said Yunus, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
The chief adviser underlined the importance of scientific research and capacity building to fully harness the opportunities of the ocean economy.
He proposed establishing an international-standard marine research and training facility in Moheshkhali, while also encouraging partnerships with global experts.
“We have barely explored the ocean world. Our knowledge gaps are vast. We need to align with international research, initiate our own studies, and build institutions to guide our entry into the blue economy,” Yunus remarked.
He further recommended developing academic institutions and hosting global conferences dedicated to maritime and oceanic studies, ensuring Bangladesh’s expertise in the emerging sector.
Balancing growth with sustainability was another major theme of his address. Yunus stressed the need to safeguard biodiversity and promote eco-friendly initiatives.
“Discussions have taken place about setting up an eco-tourism park in the area. We must carefully evaluate the state of our forests and decide what future we envision for them,” he added.
MIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun presented the authority’s roadmap for the integrated development of Moheshkhali and Matarbari.
He outlined a three-phase plan: the first running from 2025 to 2030, the second from 2030 to 2045, and the final phase spanning 2045 to 2055.
Upon completion, the region is expected to emerge as a vibrant industrial, maritime, and economic hub, not only reshaping Bangladesh’s coastal landscape but also establishing the country as a crucial player in global trade and connectivity.
The meeting was also attended by MIDA members and Lamiya Morshed, Principal Coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Affairs at the Chief Adviser’s Office.