Play store
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said Bangladesh is steadily advancing toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy, fueled by rising domestic and foreign investments and guided by the government’s long-term development strategy.
Speaking to journalists at Shah Amanat International Airport during his visit to Chattogram, the minister said the national budget has been carefully crafted to unlock regional economic potential and attract both local and international investors.
He noted a steady increase in investment inflows, including foreign direct investment (FDI), capital market participation, and contributions from global fund managers.
“The budget has been designed with Bangladesh’s overall benefit in mind, taking into account the unique strengths of different regions and identifying ways to effectively harness those opportunities,” he said.
Highlighting Chattogram’s strategic significance, the minister said the government has undertaken a series of initiatives to transform the port city into a major regional logistics hub.
“With its seaport and strategic geographic location, Chattogram holds immense potential. Recognizing this, the government has incorporated several key initiatives into its development agenda,” he added.
Among the major projects, he announced plans to establish a 600-acre free zone in Anwara, located across the Karnaphuli River, alongside multiple port development initiatives in the region.
The minister also said the budget includes measures to develop Chattogram into a comprehensive logistics hub, with plans to upgrade Shah Amanat International Airport into a major center for both cargo and passenger transport.
He further revealed that a Chinese economic zone will be set up in Chattogram, while efforts are underway to reduce rail travel time between Dhaka and Chattogram by approximately two hours through improvements to the Laksam railway section.
“If these initiatives are successfully implemented, the Chattogram-centered economic corridor will evolve into a highly efficient logistics hub, significantly enhancing port operations,” he said.
Referring to ongoing developments, the minister noted that major projects are already in progress in the Matarbari area.
He emphasized that the current budget places special focus on strengthening the economic and logistical capacity of the greater Chattogram region.
Describing these as long-term initiatives, he acknowledged that full implementation would take several years, although the government aims to begin work as soon as possible.
Addressing broader economic challenges, the finance minister said implementing such an ambitious budget remains a significant task.
“The current administration inherited a fragile economy from its predecessor, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has added further strain. Our immediate priority is to stabilize the economy before fully realizing our development potential,” he said.
Despite these challenges, he expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s economic outlook would improve significantly in the third and fourth years of the current government’s tenure, paving the way for sustained growth.
“By fully utilizing its potential, Bangladesh will move toward becoming a trillion-dollar economy,” he added.
Among those present during the briefing were Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Engineer Belayet Hossain, and Chattogram City BNP Joint Convener MA Aziz.