Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Saturday said the government plans to upgrade Chattogram's Shah Amanat International Airport into a major cargo and passenger hub as part of a broader push to transform Chattogram into a regional logistics and economic centre.

Speaking to journalists at the Shah Amanat Airport during a visit to the port city, the minister said the national budget has been designed with a focus on maximizing Chattogram's strategic and geographical potential.

He said the government has undertaken a series of initiatives to boost the region's connectivity, including plans to reduce rail travel time between Dhaka and Chattogram by around two hours through the upgrade of the Laksam railway section—a move expected to ease travel for both business and leisure passengers.

The minister also referred to plans for a 600-acre free zone in Anwara, across the Karnaphuli River, along with a Chinese economic zone in Chattogram and several port development projects, all aimed at strengthening the city's role as a logistics and trade gateway.

He said major development work is also underway in the Matarbari area, with the budget placing particular emphasis on building up Chattogram's logistics and transport capacity.

"If these initiatives are implemented, the economic corridor centered on Chattogram will evolve into a logistics hub, allowing the ports to operate more efficiently," Amir Khosru said, adding that the projects were long-term in nature and would take several years to complete.

He said Bangladesh is witnessing rising foreign and domestic investment, which he linked to the government's broader goal of positioning the country as a trillion-dollar economy in the years ahead.

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Engineer Belayet Hossain, and Chattogram City BNP Joint Convener MA Aziz were present at the event.

Source: BSS