Cox’s Bazar observed World Habitat Day on Monday with a rally and seminar highlighting plans to develop the district as an international tourism, trade and investment hub.
The Cox’s Bazar Development Authority (CoxDA) organised the programme under the theme “Housing for all, sustainable urbanisation”.
A rally joined by students from different educational institutions began at around 9:30am from the CoxDA office.
Later, CoxDA held a seminar at its office, with CoxDA Chairman Engineer Mohammad Jasim Uddin in the chair.
CoxDA Secretary Sanjida Begum, Additional District Magistrate Tasnim Jahan, Additional Superintendent of Police Ahidul Islam, Public Works Department Executive Engineer Abhijit Chowdhury, Cox’s Bazar Municipality Executive Engineer Parakram Chakma, Cox’s Bazar Press Club General Secretary Momtaz Uddin Bahari and Cox’s Bazar Journalists Union President Nurul Islam Helali spoke at the seminar.
Speakers said a mega master plan was being prepared to develop Cox’s Bazar as an international centre for tourism, trade and investment, with a target to finalise the plan by the end of 2026.
They said the proposed plan could bring major changes to urban management, tourism infrastructure, communication, environmental protection and civic services if implemented.
The plan also aims to develop Cox’s Bazar as an important growth hub for the national economy by expanding education, research, trade and investment alongside tourism.
According to the seminar, a plan has been proposed to develop the Shaibal and Laboni Beach areas as a world-class tourism zone at an estimated cost of around Tk 2,500 crore.
The proposed master plan prioritizes environment-friendly tourism, with plans for eco-resorts, hotels, and recreational facilities that consider the sea beach, hills, forests, and biodiversity.
The authorities are also considering revisiting the existing 50-metre and 500-metre restrictions applicable to coastal areas, speakers said.
The plan also includes proposals for modern waste management and sewerage systems, safe water supply, water treatment plants, universities, research facilities and tourism training centres as part of the development of Cox’s Bazar as a smart city.
Improving connectivity has also been prioritized, including expanding the airport and runway, the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar rail link, and plans to upgrade major highways to six lanes.
The proposed plan also seeks to utilise the tourism potential of the roughly 80-kilometre Marine Drive, Inani, Patuartek and Teknaf through eco-tourism initiatives.
CoxDA Chairman Engineer Mohammad Jasim Uddin told the media that the master plan was being prepared by integrating environmental balance, tourism infrastructure, modern urban management and civic facilities.
“Once finalised, the master plan will help control unplanned development and create new opportunities for tourism and investment,” he said.
CoxDA Deputy Town Planner Md Tanvir Hasan Rezaul and System Analyst Helal Uddin Hejazi presented papers at the seminar.
CoxDA also set up a service stall at the premises, providing services and information to visitors throughout the day.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
