Ramu Cantonment to be modernised at Tk 1,311cr

The government has approved a Tk 1,311.53 crore project to modernise Ramu Cantonment in Cox’s Bazar as a modern, full-fledged military installation, marking a major step to strengthen defence capabilities and strategic preparedness in the country’s southeast.

The project was approved at an ECNEC meeting chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday. A total of 10 projects worth Tk 9,333.58 crore were approved at the meeting. The Ramu Cantonment project, to be implemented entirely with government funding, is considered particularly significant for defence infrastructure and border security.

Planning State Minister Md Zunaid Abdur Rahim Saki said Ramu Cantonment currently lacks adequate accommodation for more than 8,000 troops. The project will address the shortage while upgrading the cantonment’s overall infrastructure.

According to Planning Commission documents, the project, initiated by the Defence Ministry, will be implemented by Army Headquarters, the Engineer-in-Chief’s Branch, the Directorate of Works and other relevant military authorities. It will run from July 2026 to June 2030.

The project will include around 135,883 square metres of residential buildings and 6,158 square metres of non-residential buildings. It will also provide 25km of drainage infrastructure, 11 tube wells, healthcare and water supply facilities, telecommunications equipment, essential buildings and other infrastructure. Land development and the procurement of computers, electrical and firefighting equipment and furniture are also included.

The government has also placed emphasis on preserving Ramu’s hilly terrain and environment. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman instructed authorities not to level hills for construction, but to preserve the existing terrain and design buildings according to the natural elevation of the land.

Ramu holds considerable strategic importance because of its location in Cox’s Bazar and its connectivity with large areas of the Chattogram Hill Tracts. It is also close to the country’s southeastern border and strategically important areas along the Bay of Bengal. The headquarters of the Bangladesh Army’s 10 Infantry Division is currently located at Ramu Cantonment.

The strategic importance of the project comes amid growing security concerns along the southeastern border, including Myanmar’s internal conflict, activities of armed groups, arms and drug smuggling and human trafficking. The security situation in the Chattogram Hill Tracts and the possibility of instability in border areas are also important considerations for Bangladesh’s security planning.

Against this backdrop, strengthening Ramu Cantonment’s infrastructure is being viewed as an important step towards enhancing defence capabilities and strategic preparedness in the southeast. However, the approved project documents do not identify any specific neighbouring country or armed group as a target. Its stated objectives are to protect national sovereignty from external attacks, strengthen defence infrastructure and develop modern military facilities.

The major government investment has brought relief and enthusiasm among people in Cox’s Bazar and Ramu. Locals expect improved education, healthcare, communications and other civic facilities around the cantonment to have a positive impact on the local economy and public life.

The Planning Commission has said the project will enable Ramu Cantonment to become a modern, full-fledged military installation. Once completed over four years, it is expected to bring visible improvements to its capacity, accommodation, communications, healthcare, water supply, telecommunications and other support facilities.

The modernisation is therefore considered significant not only for border security and protection of national sovereignty, but also for strengthening regional stability and enhancing the strategic importance of Cox’s Bazar and the wider southeastern region.