Written by The Banking Post
The Maheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Development Project is projected to add US$150 billion to Bangladesh’s GDP and generate 2.5 million jobs, according to the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA).
A MIDA delegation, led by Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud bin Harun, presented the plan to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus during a meeting at the state guest house Jamuna on Wednesday. Also present were MIDA members Commodore Tanzim Faruq and Md. Sarowar Alam, along with the Chief Adviser’s Principal Coordinator on SDGs Lamia Morshed and Secretary Md Saifullah Panna.
MIDA outlined a three-phase implementation plan: Phase I (2025–2030), Phase II (2030–2045), and Phase III (2045–2055).
Chief Adviser Yunus stressed that the project should go beyond a deep-sea port and lay the foundation for a Blue Economy. “That area will not only be a facilitating zone but a new city will be born there. From there, we will build international connectivity. The sea will become our highway to the world,” he said.
He emphasized research on deep-sea resources, calling for international-standard training facilities, academia, and conferences on the ocean economy. He also urged collaboration with global experts to align Bangladesh’s strategy with international best practices.
Alongside maritime ventures, Prof Yunus highlighted environmental conservation and proposed developing eco-tourism in the Maheshkhali region. “We must assess the current state of the forests in that area and plan for what we want those forests to look like in the future,” he noted.
The presentation reflected a “grand vision” for turning Maheshkhali into a hub of connectivity, innovation, and sustainable growth.
