Bangladesh stands at a crossroads—facing political challenges, inflation, and global uncertainty. Yet, amid this turbulence, the Moheshkhali–Matarbari Integrated Development Initiative (MIDA) has become more than just a project: it symbolizes a commitment. With $60–65 billion in planned investment, the potential to boost GDP by $150 billion, and millions of jobs expected (New Age, Sept 2, 2025), MIDA offers not only infrastructure but also a vision — that Bangladesh can recover from difficulties and establish itself as a resilient, diversified, and maritime-driven economy.

The Beauty of a Big Dream

Every nation needs a bold enough dream to inspire hope, even during tough times. For Bangladesh, that dream today is MIDA. Amid economic challenges like high inflation, slow growth, and youth unemployment, MIDA serves as a reminder that the country’s story is not just about crises but also about opportunity. Announced with big ambitions, the project aims to attract $60–65 billion in investment, add $150 billion to GDP, and create up to 2.5 million new jobs over the next thirty years. (en.ittefaq.com.bd)

This is not an easy task. It aims to turn a quiet coastal area into a busy hub for deep-sea trade, energy security, manufacturing, and maritime growth. Essentially, Bangladesh is daring to see itself as a true middle-power economy.

Yes, the present moment is difficult. Political transitions are delicate, reserves are limited, and inflation strains household budgets. But Bangladesh has always been a country that defies the odds—whether rebuilding after 1971, surviving cyclones, or overcoming the infamous label of becoming the “basket case” through agricultural self-sufficiency. The question is whether MIDA can write the next chapter in that story of resilience.

The Promise: Reimagining the Coastline

To understand MIDA’s potential, we must grasp its scope. It is more than just a collection of projects—it is a blueprint for transforming an entire region and, by extension, the nation.

Key Projections and Potential Impacts

Numbers reveal ambition more clearly than speeches. The following projections show what MIDA promises to deliver — not just in infrastructure, but in transforming livelihoods, boosting economic strength, and strengthening Bangladesh’s long-term strategic position.

Total Investment: $60–65 billion (2030–55) — Transform SE Bangladesh into a modern economic hub.

GDP Contribution: $70–75B (direct); $150B (total) — Adds nearly 40% to the current GDP in new economic output.

Job Creation: 150,000 direct jobs; 2.5 million indirect jobs — Provide livelihoods, especially for youth and coastal communities.

Strategic Pillars: Deep-sea port, power, manufacturing, and fisheries — Enhance competitiveness, diversify the economy, and secure energy.

Timeline: Incubation until 2030; expansion from 2030 to 45; diversification from 2045 to 55 — Step-by-step development with scalable benefits.

The centerpiece is the deep-sea port—an asset Bangladesh has long needed. By offering our exporters and importers direct access to global markets, we could cut costs, boost competitiveness, and reduce reliance on congested Indian and Singaporean hubs. Surrounding it, power and energy plants will secure industrial supplies; manufacturing clusters will encourage diversification beyond garments; fisheries and blue-economy projects will finally unlock maritime potential.

This is not just about infrastructure. It is about redrawing Bangladesh’s economic map, turning the southeast into a growth pole, just as Chittagong became in the 20th century.

Beyond the Present Precipice

Bold visions do not emerge in a vacuum. They arrive in the middle of storms — economic, political, and social. To see MIDA’s true importance, we must first reckon with the precarious ground on which it stands today. Critics quickly highlight the challenges: high inflation, foreign exchange pressures, and a tense political climate. In fact, reserves are around $25–30 billion (tradingeconomics.com), food inflation hits 14 percent (thedailystar.net), and youth unemployment remains worryingly high. These issues cannot be overlooked.

But history shows that great projects often begin during times of crisis. Japan’s postwar rebuilding, Singapore’s transition after separation, and South Korea’s industrialization amid security threats—all happened under challenging conditions. For Bangladesh, too, MIDA could be a bold step from short-term crisis response to long-term nation-building.

Instead of viewing current challenges as disqualifications, we should see them as reasons that highlight the need for such a project. Without diversification, our dependence on garments and remittances will make us vulnerable. Without solid infrastructure, we can't compete regionally. Without creating new jobs, unrest will increase. When implemented, MIDA directly addresses these vulnerabilities.

Building Blocks for Success

A project of this magnitude cannot succeed on promises alone. It requires discipline, strategy, and unwavering focus. Four essential building blocks, when implemented, can turn a shelved dream into a thriving success.

1. Transparent and Independent Governance. MIDA should be overseen by a technocratic body insulated from political swings. Like Singapore’s Jurong Town Corporation (JTC), it must focus solely on efficiency, professionalism, and accountability. Full disclosure of contracts, funding, and progress reports will help build public trust and boost international credibility.

2. Quick wins during the incubation phase. Grand visions need early proof. By 2030, Bangladesh must establish a working deep-sea port and initial energy infrastructure. Visible cranes, operational terminals, and ships docking will show investors that the project is real, not just a dream. Success here will build confidence for further expansion.

3. People-Centric Development. The actual value of MIDA lies in creating jobs. That means preparing Bangladeshis to fill those positions. Training programs for engineers, logistics specialists, IT technicians, and fisheries experts should begin immediately. As our hon’ble Chief Adviser, Prof. Muhammad Yunus, observed, “We prepare our students for jobs and careers, but we don't teach them to think as individuals about what kind of world they would create” (muhammadyunus.org). Aligning training with demand will ensure MIDA benefits local communities rather than bypassing them.

4. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure. Situated on cyclone-prone coasts, MIDA must be designed to withstand nature’s challenges. Green infrastructure, elevated platforms, and resilient embankments can transform vulnerability into strength. When done correctly, MIDA could become a global example of climate-aware development in the Global South.

Financing the Dream

Every major project ultimately faces a simple question: how to pay for it. For MIDA, financing will be the ultimate test — not of feasibility, but of prudence, creativity, and negotiation. Skeptics argue that Bangladesh cannot afford a $60 billion project when reserves are tight. But financing doesn't have to lead to debt traps. A diversified model is possible.

 Foreign direct investment from Japan, South Korea, and the Gulf states.

 Multilateral concessional loans from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

 Public-private partnerships where local and foreign companies co-invest.

Crucially, financing must be transparent and diversified to prevent over-reliance on a single lender. Bangladesh should negotiate strategically, securing equity stakes, technology transfer, and long-term sustainability.

As the Dhaka Tribune (Sept 2025) reported, the government sees MIDA as a multi-donor initiative, with Japan already a key partner. If managed wisely, financing can become an opportunity rather than a burden of debt.

A Symbol of National Confidence

MIDA is more than just cement and steel. It reflects how Bangladesh views itself — either as a nation caught in short-term crises or as one determined to shape its own future with confidence. MIDA is not just an economic project; it’s a test of Bangladesh’s ability to look beyond crises and imagine a future of strength instead of merely survival. When carried out transparently, it can become:

A symbol of unity that rises above partisan divides.

A source of pride, demonstrating that Bangladesh is not a passive victim of global markets but a driver of its own destiny.

A school dedicated to nation-building, training the next generation of skilled workers and professionals.

Yes, challenges are many. But for a nation that has rebuilt itself after every political turmoil and natural calamity, risen from famine to food sufficiency, and is transitioning from aid-dependence to global supply chains, challenges are nothing new.

Conclusion: A Dream Worth Fighting For

In the end, MIDA is not just an economic initiative. It is a wager on resilience, a statement of intent, and a test of courage. Bangladesh is at a crossroads today. One path leads to stagnation, repeating a cycle of quick fixes. The other path promises transformation through bold actions. MIDA offers a path to transformation. It won't be simple, but if we invest wisely, govern transparently, and prepare our workforce, the reward could be historic: a Bangladesh that is not just a garment exporter but a diversified, resilient, maritime-driven economy.

As the Financial Times noted (Aug 2025), Bangladesh’s biggest risk is losing momentum. MIDA is our response to that risk. It’s more than a project—it’s a statement that Bangladesh plans to shape its own future. The promise is bold. The path is challenging. But the dream is worth fighting for.


Writer: Commodore Syed Misbah Uddin Ahmad, (C), NUP, ndc, afwc, psc, BN (retd), Director General, Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD). Email: misbah28686@gmail.com