Prof Yunus urges JICA for stronger support of MIDI project

JICA President Dr Tanaka Akihiko met Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today on the sidelines of the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia, held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Thursday urged the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance its support for the Moheshkhali-Matarbari Integrated Development Initiative (MIDI), aimed at transforming the region into a key driver of Bangladesh’s future economic growth.

The appeal came during a meeting with JICA President Dr Tanaka Akihiko, held on the sidelines of the 30th Nikkei Forum: Future of Asia at Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel.

“The MIDI region represents the future of Bangladesh,” Prof Yunus said. “With direct access to the Bay of Bengal, we are developing deep-sea ports, highways, and railway links to connect MIDI with Nepal, Bhutan, and other parts of South Asia.”

JICA initially proposed developing a deep-sea port at Matarbari. Now, under Prof Yunus’ leadership, the interim government is crafting a comprehensive master plan to develop the entire MIDI region into a hub for ports, logistics, fisheries, energy, and power.

“Our vision also includes building a megacity in the region,” he added, noting that airport upgrades are underway to meet growing travel demands.

Dr Tanaka reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to MIDI but stressed the importance of speeding up decision-making to accelerate project implementation.

In response, Prof Yunus announced plans to appoint a senior official to oversee MIDI projects and coordinate with JICA and other foreign investors.

He also revealed intentions to establish free trade zones in the area, inviting foreign investors to set up export-oriented manufacturing plants.

Furthermore, the government plans to create an exclusive fisheries zone to enable large-scale deep-sea fishing operations.

“We need to develop deep-sea fishing capabilities,” Prof Yunus explained. “Currently, vessels from neighbouring countries exploit these waters while our trawlers are too small for deep-sea operations. By enhancing our capacity, we can process the catch locally for both export and domestic markets.”

Dr Tanaka noted that this was likely the first time he had heard a Bangladeshi leader speak about deep-sea fishing initiatives.

The two leaders also discussed Bangladesh’s reform agenda following the July uprisings, the democratic transition, and the interim government’s anti-corruption measures.

Prof Yunus confirmed that general elections are planned between December and June, after which he will return to his previous work once an elected government is in place.

The Rohingya crisis was also raised, with Prof Yunus seeking greater JICA support for humanitarian efforts.

Dr Tanaka expressed JICA’s willingness to contribute to international responses addressing the crisis.