Govt to prepare integrated master plan for Cox's Bazar tourism: Amir Khosru

The government has taken the initiative to formulate an integrated master plan to develop Cox's Bazar as an international and regional tourism hub, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said today.

Speaking to reporters after a high-level meeting at the Secretariat, the minister said the government is reviewing long-standing restrictions on infrastructure development along the coastline.

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"We need to rethink the existing 50-metre and 500-metre restrictions on coastal development. Where tourism is being developed, facilities like hotels, motels, resorts and entertainment centres must be allowed to grow. We must create development opportunities while strictly ensuring environmental protection," he said.

Referring to existing regulatory barriers, the minister said that while the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is responsible for conservation, regulations should not be so stringent that they stifle investment. "Coastal development has successfully taken place across the globe, and Bangladesh must adopt similar international-standard planning," he added.

"We must encourage vertical development. Otherwise, it will be impossible to protect our industrial zones, water bodies and agricultural land," he said, citing global tourist cities that have successfully utilised high-rise buildings.

The minister said rail connectivity has already been launched, work on the international airport is progressing rapidly, and advanced road networks from Chattogram are being developed.

"Cox's Bazar will serve as a crucial growth hub as we aim to elevate Bangladesh to a $1-trillion economy by 2034. The tourism, trade, and service sectors here will significantly boost the national economy," said the minister.

Briefing reporters, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the finance minister has been tasked with leading the implementation of the plan.

"The master plan must be finalised by 2026. Its core objective is to establish Cox's Bazar as an international tourism and commercial hub. This includes designating eco-friendly tourism zones, reviewing restrictions on Marine Drive and coastal areas, and fostering an investment-friendly environment," he said.

Salahuddin added that the plan includes universities, modern research and training facilities, safe water supply, sanitation and water treatment plants.

The inter-ministerial meeting was attended by ministers, lawmakers and secretaries from the ministries of tourism, environment, housing and public works, land, and public administration, along with officials from the Civil Aviation Authority, local government bodies and the Cox's Bazar Municipality.