Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today emphasized the importance of creating a new economic zone encompassing Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan. “The process has begun. This process should be accelerated so that the economic zone could be established,” he stated during an event hosted by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association (BASA) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Centre this evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Nahid Islam, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid, and BASA President and LGRD Secretary Md. Nazrul Islam were also present at the event. Prof Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic geographical position, bordered by rapidly developing giants India and China, as a significant advantage for economic growth.
Prof Yunus noted the potential for Bangladesh to capitalize on its marine resources, stating, “There is a huge scope to generate hydropower in the Himalaya and Nepal is keen to export its hydro electricity and we are ready to buy it.” He expressed optimism that India would eventually permit the transit of power from Nepal, benefiting all involved parties economically.
He further observed that broader access to Indian land could significantly expedite Bangladesh’s progress, asserting, “Bangladesh is a very lucky nation due to its location.” Prof Yunus also emphasized the importance of developing marine ports along Bangladesh’s coastline and a deep seaport in Matarbari, suggesting these could play a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s economy.
Prof Yunus lamented the current limitations of the existing economic zone in South Asia, pointing out that it has yet to be fully operational. He underscored the trade potential for Nepal and Bhutan, both landlocked, and the Indian states known as the seven sisters, which lack seaports. Establishing a new economic zone, he argued, would enable these countries to harness considerable trade opportunities.
He concluded by stating that direct transport of goods to and from Nepal, Bhutan, and the seven sisters to Bangladesh would be a significant economic boon, reiterating the geographical advantage that Bangladesh holds.