Dhaka, Sep 03 (V7N) – Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has announced that not only a deep seaport but also a new city will be developed in the Maheshkhali-Matarbari region as part of Bangladesh’s long-term vision for a blue economy.

He made the remarks during a meeting with members of the newly formed Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA) at the State Guest House Jamuna on Wednesday afternoon.

The meeting was led by MIDA Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, with members Commodore Tanjim Faruk, Md. Sarwar Alam, Chief Coordinator for SDGs Lamia Morshed, and Secretary to the Chief Advisor’s Office Md. Saifullah Panna also in attendance.

Presenting the MIDA’s four-month work plan, Chairman Ashiq Mahmud outlined that the megaproject will be executed in three phases: 2025–2030, 2030–2045, and 2045–2055. He projected that the initiative would generate 2.5 million jobs and contribute an estimated USD 150 billion to Bangladesh’s GDP upon completion.

Emphasizing the broader vision, Dr. Yunus said:
“Not only a deep seaport, but we have to work with the vision of building a blue economy. That area will not only be a facilitating zone; a new city will be born there. From there, our international connectivity will be created. The sea will be our highway to the world.”

The Chief Advisor also called for extensive research on deep-sea resources, the establishment of an international-standard training facility in Maheshkhali, and collaboration with global experts. He proposed the creation of new institutions, academia, and even an international conference on the ocean economy.

Dr. Yunus further stressed the importance of environmental protection, urging a clear plan for sustainable forest land use in the region. Discussions also touched on the establishment of an eco-tourism park.

END/SMA/AJ