Roadmap for a one trillion economy

The government has set a target of turning the country’s economy into a $1 trillion economy by 2034. Under the ‘Strategic Roadmap (July 2026 to June 2031)’ prepared to achieve this target, the port city of Chattogram has been placed at the center of the biggest infrastructure transformation. After years of demands, the government is finally set to officially recognize Chattogram as the country’s ‘commercial capital’ and prepare an integrated ‘Chattogram Cluster Master Plan’. Over the next five years, major projects including the construction of Bay Terminal, upgrading the Dhaka Chattogram Highway to six lanes, building a monorail to ease traffic congestion and developing a world class ‘Medical and Wellness Hub’ to reduce dependence on treatment abroad have been included in the roadmap.

Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Planning Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir told Agamir Somoy on Tuesday night, “Local authorities will be empowered to conduct investment approvals and service delivery activities. This will reduce the need for lobbying or seeking favors in Dhaka. We plan to develop Chattogram as a logistics hub. One of the world’s leading container operators has already been assigned to operate Laldia Terminal. The foundation stone of the Chinese Economic Zone has been laid. The target is to launch Matarbari Deep Sea Port by 2030. Overall, the highest priority is being given to developing Chattogram as the commercial capital. One of the key objectives of our strategic roadmap is balanced regional development. Investment will be ensured on a priority basis in regions such as Chattogram, the northern region, haor areas and coastal areas so that every person in the country can benefit from this development.”

The roadmap published by the General Economics Division of the Planning Commission proposes implementing ‘Integrated Growth Network Development (IGND)’ by connecting the country’s major economic corridors including Chattogram. An estimated $80 billion or around Tk 10 lakh crore has been set as the investment target for implementing the extensive roadmap. Of this amount, around $40 billion or Tk 5 lakh crore is planned for the first phase of the short- and medium-term plan over the next five years from fiscal year 2027 to 2031. The government does not want to rely solely on its own budget for this massive financing. The roadmap proposes using government financing and guarantees for core infrastructure development. A large part of the projects is planned to be implemented through public private partnerships (PPP), concessional foreign loans, land value fees, Green Bangladesh Bonds and municipal bonds.

Highest priority for ports and connectivity: The process of preparing the ‘Chattogram Cluster Master Plan’ is scheduled to begin by 2027. Under public private partnerships (PPP), the construction of Bay Terminal, Laldia and New Mooring Container Terminal is targeted for completion between fiscal years 2027 and 2031. There are also proposals to construct a breakwater and navigational channel at Bay Terminal.

In road and rail connectivity, initiatives have been taken to upgrade the Dhaka Chattogram Highway to six lanes including lanes for slow moving vehicles (SMVT) and construct a double track railway line between Laksham and Chattogram. There is also a proposal to construct the Kalurghat Rail Cum Road Bridge over the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram. Bangladesh Railway plans to complete the project within five years as part of the long-term initiative. The target is to implement these projects between 2027 and 2030. A feasibility study has been proposed for constructing a monorail on high passenger demand corridors to ease traffic congestion in the city. There are also plans to develop Chattogram Airport as a full-fledged passenger and logistics hub.

Transformation in energy, industry and the blue economy: Maheshkhali has been designated for energy-based industries, Matarbari for port-based logistics and Chattogram Mirsarai for diversified manufacturing industries. Under the ‘Maheshkhali Matarbari Energy Security Program’ from fiscal year 2027 to 2031, a roadmap has been prepared for LNG terminals, power generation, grid strengthening and smart substations.

To ensure energy security, a proposal has been made to construct a 295-kilometer gas transmission pipeline from Maheshkhali to Bakhrabad. An initiative will also be taken to establish a floating LNG terminal at Kutubjom in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar. At the same time, options have been kept open for modernizing Chattogram’s Eastern Refinery or constructing a new crude oil refinery.

‘Medical Hub’ to reduce overseas treatment: The government has planned to develop the Chattogram Cox’s Bazar region as an integrated ‘Medical and Wellness Hub’ to reduce the tendency of people to travel abroad for treatment. Under the project, tertiary hospitals, trauma and emergency care facilities and digital health platforms are planned to be developed between fiscal years 2028 and 2031.

An ‘Urban Waterlogging and Flood Drainage Management Program’ is also proposed to address waterlogging, one of the major problems in Chattogram city.

What they are saying: Professor Muhammad Rashidul Hasan, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Planning at Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, said, “The greatest need is decentralization of administrative and policymaking powers. It is essential to relocate the headquarters of all ministries, departments and directorates related to commerce, investment, import and export and maritime transport to Chattogram.”

Professor Sikandar Khan, President of the Planned Chattogram Forum and an economist, said, “It is essential to ensure that domestic and foreign investors and businesses can receive all types of official services under one roof in Chattogram instead of having to travel to Dhaka for every approval.”