Govt plans integrated master plan to turn Cox's Bazar into global tourism hub: Khosru

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government has undertaken an initiative to formulate an integrated master plan to develop Cox's Bazar into an international and regional tourism hub while reviewing long-standing restrictions on coastal development.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting on the integrated development of Cox's Bazar at the Secretariat, the finance minister said the existing 50-metre and 500-metre restrictions on development along the coast need to be reassessed to facilitate planned investment in hotels, resorts and tourism facilities without compromising environmental protection.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and senior officials of the Finance Ministry were present at the meeting.

Amir Khasru said environmental conservation must remain a priority, but regulations should not discourage investment. 

Referring to international examples, he said Bangladesh should adopt world-class planning for sustainable coastal development and promote vertical expansion to protect agricultural land, water bodies and industrial areas.

He said the government has a broader vision for Cox's Bazar, supported by ongoing infrastructure projects, including the international airport, railway connectivity and improved road links from Chattogram. These facilities will be integrated to transform the coastal town into a modern digital tourism city.

The finance minister also said Cox's Bazar would play a significant role in Bangladesh's goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2034, contributing through its tourism, trade and service sectors.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the finance minister had been assigned to oversee the preparation of the master plan, which is expected to be completed by 2026.

The plan aims to establish Cox's Bazar as an international and regional tourism and commercial hub by identifying eco-friendly tourism zones, reviewing coastal regulations and creating an investment-friendly environment.

The meeting was attended by ministers, lawmakers, secretaries, representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority, local government bodies and Cox's Bazar Municipality.

The plan also includes the development of a university, research and training facilities, safe water supply, sewerage and water treatment systems, as well as the full operationalisation of the international airport as a gateway for tourism and trade.