Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has called for rapid infrastructure development in the Matarbari region to transform the coastal area into a production-driven free trade zone. He emphasized the need to attract substantial foreign investment to build Matarbari as the country’s largest hub for ports, supply chains, production, and energy.

On Tuesday, May 27, during a high-level meeting held at the state guesthouse Jamuna in Dhaka, Dr. Yunus reviewed the progress of the Maheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Infrastructure Development Initiative (MIDI). According to the press release from his office, the Chief Adviser underscored the importance of preparing a master plan to facilitate foreign investment and highlighted growing international investor interest in the region.

He instructed the Secretaries of Road Transport and Shipping to expedite the construction of connecting roads between the MIDI area and the rest of the country. Additionally, he stressed the urgency of building terminals capable of accommodating large, ocean-going container ships.

Dr. Yunus also emphasized the need for structured urban development to support the anticipated influx of workers in the free trade and industrial zones. He revealed that development of the MIDI region would be a key agenda during his upcoming two-and-a-half-day visit to Japan starting May 28. He is set to attend the 30th Nikkei Future of Asia Conference in Tokyo on May 30 and will hold bilateral talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to secure funding for key projects.

During the meeting, interest was expressed in establishing Japan’s second exclusive economic zone in the MIDI region—the first being in Araihazar, Narayanganj, which has already attracted significant investment. International firms including Saudi petrochemical giant Aramco, Abu Dhabi Ports, Saudi port operator Red Sea Gateway, Japanese power company JERA, and Malaysian firm Petronas have shown investment interest in the area.

Recently, a deal was signed with Japanese firms Penta-Ocean Construction Company Limited and TOA Corporation to build Bangladesh’s first deep seaport in Matarbari. Backed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), this project is seen as a cornerstone of the MIDI initiative, aimed at enhancing the region’s connectivity and economic potential.

The MIDI initiative represents a strategic partnership between Bangladesh and Japan to transform Maheshkhali-Matarbari into an economic corridor integrating supply, energy, and industrial development. The meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary Md. Siraj Uddin Mia and attended by key officials including SDG Coordinator Lamia Morshed and secretaries from relevant ministries. Sarwar Alam, Director General of the MIDI Cell, presented a comprehensive review of ongoing projects.