The government has drawn up major development plans for Chattogram, including industrialising the coastal belt from Matarbari to Mirsarai to create jobs, attract investment and utilise marine resources, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Sunday.
He also announced plans to build coastal embankments and implement long-term projects in health, social protection, power and energy.
Tarique Rahman made the remarks at a public rally on the coast in Baharchhara of Banshkhali upazila on Sunday afternoon.
The rally, which began around 2:30pm, drew a large crowd.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed addressed the rally, while Mishkatul Islam Chowdhury Pappa delivered the welcome speech.
Matarbari-Mirsarai belt to be industrialised
Tarique Rahman said the vast coastal belt from Matarbari to Mirsarai could become a major driver of the country’s economic growth.
“I have seen the coastal area from Matarbari to Mirsarai by helicopter. This vast sea is not merely a body of water; it is a resource belonging to the people of Bangladesh,” he said.
The government plans to use marine resources to establish industries along the coast and create large-scale employment, he said.
As part of the plan, a large industrial zone has been allocated in Chattogram for Chinese investors, where several hundred factories are planned, according to the prime minister.
He said the industrialisation would create jobs for many unemployed young people in Chattogram, while exports would generate foreign currency that could be spent on education and healthcare.
41 lakh families to get Family Cards
Speaking about the government’s Family Card programme, Tarique Rahman said its pilot phase had been completed within a month of the government taking office.
Nationwide distribution of the cards will begin on 16 August, he said.
Around 41 lakh women will receive Family Cards in the 2026-27 fiscal year, including 10,000 to 12,000 families in Banshkhali.
The programme aims to make women economically self-reliant and ensure education and healthcare for their children, Tarique Rahman said. It will continue for four years.
The prime minister also said salt farmers in Banshkhali would be brought under social safety-net and agricultural support programmes.
Salt farmers will receive the benefits of the Family Card and a special Farmers’ Card alongside farmers growing rice, jute and vegetables, he said.
A fair price for salt has already been determined after discussions with farmers and will be officially announced within the next few days, Rahman said.
Upazila hospitals to become 101-bed facilities
The government plans to upgrade all 503 upazila hospitals to modern 101-bed facilities within five years, Tarique Rahman said.
He recalled that upazila hospitals were upgraded to 30 beds during the government of Ziaur Rahman and later to 50 beds during the government of Khaleda Zia.
The latest initiative will expand medical infrastructure and improve healthcare services for people in remote areas, he said.
Law and order crucial for investment
Maintaining law and order will be a government priority to attract domestic and foreign investment, Tarique Rahman said.
“If there is disorder in a market, businesses close their shops. Similarly, if there is instability in a country, domestic and foreign investors lose interest,” he said.
The government will ensure that investors can import raw materials without disruption and transport finished products through ports smoothly, he said.
Tarique Rahman warned that attempts to disrupt peace and public order would not be tolerated.
He urged anyone with an alternative plan to present it to the people rather than create confusion.
10-year power, energy plan
The government has also begun reforms in the power and energy sector, Tarique Rahman said.
He alleged that the sector had previously been used to serve the interests of a small group and said reforming the system would take time.
A 10-year plan and proposals for the sector will be placed before parliament soon, he said.
The plan aims to ensure uninterrupted electricity for schools, colleges, hospitals, industries and residential areas, as well as adequate gas supplies for transport and other sectors.
Coastal embankment project
Responding to a longstanding demand from residents of Banshkhali and other coastal areas, Tarique Rahman said construction of coastal embankments was a key part of the government’s master plan.
The project will be implemented, but building a large and permanent embankment will take time, he said.
“Everything will be done; we just need some patience,” Rahman said.
‘No one can stop Chattogram’s development’
Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh could no longer afford to lag behind more than five decades after independence.
He called for greater agricultural production and industrialisation to create jobs and improve living standards.
Referring to the leadership of the finance and home ministries, he said both were currently headed by people from Chattogram.
“With distinguished sons of Chattogram leading these two powerful ministries, no one can stop the development of Chattogram,” he said.
