Cox's Bazar tourism master plan, restrictions may be relaxed

Photo: Collected

News Desk: The government has taken the initiative to formulate a comprehensive master plan to develop Cox's Bazar into an international and regional tourism hub. As part of this plan, it has also decided to review the long-standing 50-meter and 500-meter development restrictions in the coastal area.

The information was disclosed by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury while speaking to journalists after a meeting on the integrated development plan for Cox's Bazar at the Secretariat on Thursday. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also addressed the media on the occasion.

Explaining the proposed relaxation of the restrictions, the Finance Minister said that areas designated for tourism development would require the construction of hotels, motels, resorts, and recreational facilities. He emphasized that development opportunities would be created while ensuring the protection of the environment.

Speaking about the government's ongoing initiatives, the minister said that it has ambitious plans for Cox's Bazar. Construction of the international airport is progressing, railway connectivity has already been established, and an improved road network from Chattogram is being developed. These infrastructure projects will be integrated to transform Cox's Bazar into a modern digital tourism city.

The Finance Minister further stated that Cox's Bazar would be developed as one of the country's major growth centers to help achieve Bangladesh's goal of becoming a US$1 trillion economy by 2034. Through the expansion of tourism, trade, and the service sector, the district's contribution to the national economy is expected to increase significantly.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that responsibility for implementing the integrated development plan for Cox's Bazar has been assigned to the finance minister. A comprehensive master plan will be prepared with the goal of completing it by 2026.

He added that the master plan aims to transform Cox's Bazar into an international and regional tourism destination, while also developing it into a commercial hub. The plan will include the designation of environmentally friendly tourism zones, a review of the existing restrictions along the Marine Drive and coastal areas, and measures to create a more investment-friendly environment.

The Home Minister also said that the government is working to turn the world's longest natural sea beach into one of the key drivers of Bangladesh's economic growth. Increasing foreign exchange earnings from tourism and attracting more international visitors are among the major objectives of the initiative.