Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday called for adopting a broader vision of building a blue economy rather than limiting the focus to only a deep sea port.
The initiative should not just be seen as a facilitation zone, but as the foundation of a new city with international connectivity, where the sea would serve as Bangladesh’s “highway” to the world, he added.
The chief adviser made the remarks while meeting members of the Moheshkhali–Matarbari Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) at the State Guest House Jamuna.
Dr Yunus placed strong emphasis on conducting research on the deep sea and called for setting up an international-standard training facility in the Moheshkhali region. He suggested that Bangladesh take advice and assistance from global experts if needed.
According to the chief adviser, the country had never truly explored the ocean world or invested in research on it. He also stressed the importance of reviewing international studies, producing original research, and building institutions to advance knowledge while proposing hosting an international conference on the ocean economy.
CA further highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and suggested the creation of an eco-tourism park. He said it was important to evaluate the current condition of forests and plan carefully for how they should be preserved for the future.
At the meeting, MIDA Chairman Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun presented the Moheshkhali-Matarbari project and outlined the authority’s four-month work plan. He said the project would be implemented in three phases, the first from 2025 to 2030, the second from 2030 to 2045, and the third from 2045 to 2055.
Ashik added that if fully implemented, the project could provide direct and indirect employment for about 2.5 million people and contribute around $150 billion to Bangladesh’s GDP.
The meeting was also attended by other MIDA members and SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator Lamiya Morshed.