Bangladesh has unveiled a sweeping 30-year development master plan to transform the coastal region of Matarbari-Maheshkhali into a global commercial and logistics hub, in a bid to reposition the country within the international trade and supply chain ecosystem.
Modelled on global port cities such as Shanghai and Singapore, the initiative is expected to add up to US$150 billion to GDP, attract US$60–65 billion in investment, and create as many as 2.5 million jobs by 2055.
The project was announced by Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Chairman of the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA), during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka. He emphasised that the plan could dramatically alter Bangladesh’s economic trajectory by reducing reliance on regional transhipment hubs and establishing the country as a standalone logistics and industrial powerhouse.
Three-Phase Rollout
Spanning roughly 33,000 acres, the project will be implemented in three phases:
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Phase I (2025–2030): Construction of a deep-sea port, rail and road connectivity, and an energy hub;
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Phase II (2030–2045): Development of industrial zones, free trade areas, and export-focused manufacturing infrastructure;
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Phase III (2045–2055): Urban expansion, technology integration, and global investment facilitation.
A master plan is being finalised with input from international consultants, incorporating best practices from Asia’s top-performing port cities. Authorities aim to complete preparatory work within 120 days and are actively recruiting technical experts and Bangladeshi expatriates with global experience.
Strategic and Sustainable Development
The government envisions a diversified industrial base including shipbuilding and repair, fisheries processing, and high-tech manufacturing, with a free trade zone designed to attract both foreign direct investment (FDI) and regional supply chain partners.
In line with environmental goals, future energy generation in the region will pivot towards natural gas and nuclear power, gradually moving away from coal. The project also integrates eco-tourism, marine conservation, and forest protection, positioning the development as both economically and environmentally sustainable.
Geoeconomic Implications
By reducing dependency on transit hubs like Singapore and Colombo, the Matarbari deep-sea port could significantly cut logistics costs for Bangladeshi exports, making the country more competitive in global markets. The port is strategically located near key shipping routes in the Bay of Bengal, offering potential to serve as a regional gateway for landlocked neighbours and eastern Indian states.
Institutional Collaboration and Research
The government plans to establish research institutions and convene international conferences to promote a blue economy agenda—leveraging ocean-based resources for sustainable growth. MIDA is coordinating with academic bodies and global development partners to ensure long-term policy alignment and institutional resilience.
Chairman Ashik Mahmud noted that while the MIDA team is still in its early stages, recruitment of skilled professionals is ongoing. “This is not just a port or an industrial zone—it’s a new economic frontier for Bangladesh,” he said.
