PM Stresses Swift Operation of Matarbari Deep-Sea Port
Shamsul Haque Sharek
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stressed the need to make the Matarbari Deep-Sea Port operational as soon as possible, saying the project could open a new chapter in Bangladesh’s maritime trade.He made the remarks during a visit to the port and the 1,200MW coal-fired power plant in Matarbari, Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, on Sunday. During the visit, he reviewed the port’s current condition, infrastructure development, operational readiness and cargo-handling capacity, and discussed the steps needed to make it fully functional. He also stressed the need to accelerate the development of supporting infrastructure and connectivity around the port. The discussions also covered plans to establish a 20MW wind power plant beside the 1,200MW coal-fired power plant and an additional LNG station in Maheshkhali.
The government considers the deep-sea port a key infrastructure project for expanding Bangladesh’s maritime trade. Once fully operational, the port will be able to accommodate large vessels directly, potentially reducing the time and cost of transporting goods while boosting import and export activities. The port is also expected to drive industrialisation and expand logistics, warehousing, transport and other economic activities in Maheshkhali, Matarbari and the wider Cox’s Bazar region. During his visit, the PM inspected several important facilities at the port and power plant and reviewed their progress with officials.
Local residents welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit, saying the port could create jobs and expand business and industrial opportunities in the region. However, they urged the authorities to ensure that local communities directly benefit from the project through employment, education, healthcare, water supply, sanitation and other civic facilities. They also renewed their demand for a bridge over the Maheshkhali Channel connecting Maheshkhali with Cox’s Bazar, saying improved connectivity would facilitate port-centred trade, industry and transportation while creating greater economic opportunities for local communities.
