Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has emphasized the need for a regional economic zone involving Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Bhutan, urging an acceleration of ongoing efforts to establish it.

Speaking at a program hosted by the Bangladesh Administrative Service Association (BASA) at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Centre in Dhaka, Yunus highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic advantage due to its proximity to economic powerhouses India and China.

“The process has begun. It should be expedited to establish the economic zone,” Yunus said.

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 also addressed the event.

Yunus stressed Bangladesh’s vast economic potential, particularly in harnessing marine resources and hydropower. He pointed out that Nepal is eager to export hydroelectricity, and Bangladesh is prepared to buy it. However, India’s restrictions on power imports from Nepal remain a challenge.

“We hope India will allow us to use its land for mutual economic benefit,” he said, adding that broader access to Indian territory would significantly accelerate Bangladesh’s progress.

The Chief Adviser also proposed the establishment of a series of marine ports along Bangladesh’s coastline, from Cumilla to Teknaf, alongside a deep-sea port in Matarbari.

“If we can allow global shipping access to these ports, who can stop our economic growth?” he questioned.

Highlighting regional connectivity, Yunus noted that Nepal and Bhutan, as landlocked nations, and India’s northeastern states, which lack seaports, could greatly benefit from the proposed economic zone. Direct trade routes would facilitate seamless transportation of goods, unlocking vast economic opportunities.

“In terms of geography, Bangladesh is extremely fortunate,” Yunus concluded.

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