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The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform Chattogram into a major logistics hub, with foreign investment already beginning to flow into Bangladesh, Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters after arriving at Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram, the minister said foreign direct investment (FDI), capital market investment and investment by fund managers are all entering the country.
“The budget has been prepared with Bangladesh’s interests at its core, taking into account the unique potential of every region and focusing on how those opportunities can be fully utilized,” he said.
Highlighting Chattogram’s strategic importance, Amir Khasru said the city’s deep-sea access, existing seaport and key geographical location make it one of the country’s most promising economic regions.
“Keeping these advantages in mind, the government has incorporated a number of major development initiatives into its plans,” he said.
The minister said the government has decided to establish a 600-acre free zone on the opposite bank of the Karnaphuli River and develop multiple ports in Chattogram. The latest budget reflects the government’s vision of turning the port city into a regional logistics hub. It also includes plans to upgrade Shah Amanat International Airport into both a cargo and passenger hub.
He also announced plans to establish a Chinese Economic Zone in Chattogram. In addition, the budget includes upgrading the Laksam section of the Dhaka-Chattogram railway, a project expected to cut rail travel time by about two hours.
Once these initiatives are implemented, the Chattogram economic corridor will emerge as a major logistics hub, allowing the country’s ports to handle substantially higher volumes of trade, he said. Major development projects have also been planned around Matarbari to maximize the region’s economic and logistical potential.
Describing the projects as long-term initiatives, Amir Khasru said implementation would take several years, but the government intends to begin work as soon as possible.
On the economy, the minister acknowledged that implementing such a large budget would be challenging. He said the current government inherited a fragile economy from its predecessor, while the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has added further pressure.
“Our immediate priority is to stabilize the economy. Once that is achieved, we will focus on unlocking the country’s full potential,” he said.
He expressed confidence that Bangladesh would enter a phase of sustained growth during the government’s third and fourth years and move closer to its goal of becoming a US$1 trillion economy.
Responding to a question about foreign investment, Amir Khasru reiterated that foreign direct investment, capital market investment and investment by fund managers are continuing to flow into Bangladesh.
“Bangladesh is now an attractive investment destination. There is no reason for concern,” he said.
Among those present at the airport were Chattogram City Mayor Shahadat Hossain, Chattogram Development Authority Chairman Engineer Belayet Hossain, BNP leader Abul Hashem Bakkar and lawyer Abdus Sattar, among others.