Chief Adviser and Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has identified Chittagong Port as the “heart of the nation’s economy,” stressing the urgent need to elevate it to world-class standards. During a visit to the port on Wednesday, he emphasized that Bangladesh cannot achieve economic excellence without transforming its primary seaport, calling on international port management companies to help lead the overhaul.
He warned that without swift modernization and strategic regional connectivity—including with Nepal and India’s northeastern states—the country risks losing out on major economic opportunities. Professor Yunus also criticized the slow pace of past improvements and pledged that under the interim government’s leadership, visible progress will be made within months.
Shipping and port officials echoed his urgency, citing infrastructure limitations and daily losses due to vessel restrictions. Later in the day, Yunus unveiled the foundation stone for the long-anticipated Kalurghat Bridge and attended Chittagong University’s largest-ever convocation, where he received an honorary D.Litt degree.
His packed visit to his home district of Chattogram included meetings on key urban issues like waterlogging and traffic congestion, and marked a renewed national focus on Chittagong Port as a gateway to accelerated economic growth and regional integration.
