The newly elected BNP-led government is planning to undertake significant initiatives centered on Chittagong Port. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that increasing investment in the port is essential to truly establish Chittagong as a commercial capital.

Speaking to reporters at Shah Amanat International Airport on Friday morning (February 20), he said that to transform Chittagong into a commercial capital, investment must be increased, and the port’s operations need to be made more modern and efficient. This will also create new employment opportunities.

The minister further added that it is now time to practically begin the work of building a commercial capital. There is immense potential for investment, and attention must be given to that. Improving port operations and increasing investment — these two paths can develop Chittagong into a strong economic hub.

In response to a question, he stated that the government has extensive plans regarding this, but not everything can be expressed in a single sentence. He identified employment as the country’s biggest challenge.

Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has visited his home district Chittagong for the first time since taking charge of the Ministry of Finance and Planning. According to his itinerary, he will visit the family graveyard of his parents at Nazir Bari in North Kattali, Pahartali Thana, at 11:30 AM. Later, he will offer Juma prayers at Kadamtali Madarbari Jame Mosque.

Following this, the newly appointed Finance Minister will meet and exchange greetings with party leaders and activists at his residence in Mehedibag from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM. Subsequently, an exchange meeting is scheduled at the same location with leaders of port service provider organizations to streamline Chittagong Port’s operations. He will then return to Dhaka on a flight at 8:25 PM.

When asked about his feelings on his first visit to Chittagong after assuming the role of Finance Minister, Amir Khosru said, ‘It feels good. We have returned to a democratic environment. An elected parliament and government are in place. To fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people of Bangladesh, we all must work together. Coordinated initiatives must also be taken for the development of Chittagong.’