In a significant development for Cox’s Bazar District, the kick-off meeting for the Masterplan Preparation project commenced today at the Multipurpose Hall of Cox’s Bazaar Development Authority Offices.
This initiative follows closely on the heels of the 29-point vision articulated by the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, during her visit to Cox’s Bazaar on May 18, 2021. Spearheaded by the Construction Supervision Consultant in collaboration with local partner Celltron-EKArchitect JV and international partner Sasaki, the project aims to chart a comprehensive roadmap for the district’s development.
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Cox’s Bazaar Development Authority Chairman Commodore Mohammad Nurul Absar, NGP, NDC, PSC, BN (Retd) chaired the event. Director (Contract and Planning) of Construction Supervision Consultant Brigadier General Abdullah Al Mamun, NDC, PSC, Project Director Tanvir Alam, Team Leader of Masterplan Preparation for Cox’s Bazar District and Prinicipal Urban Designers Denis Piperz, Deputy Team Leaders Khandker Neaz Rahman Ehsan Khan, and Managing Director of Celltron EMS Limited Sheikh Mohammad Fauzul Mubin was present during the meeting.
What’s Inside the Cox’s Bazar Masterplan?
The Cox’s Bazar Masterplan aspires to establish the district as a tourism, trade, and connectivity hub to meet national development goals and international importance. Sustainable practices, balanced growth, and enhanced quality of life are prioritized, all while safeguarding the identity of the district. This ambitious project recognizes the inherent majesty and advantageous geographical position of Cox’s Bazar, with the dual purpose of harnessing its resources and confronting obstacles related to development. By prioritizing responsible development and climate resilience, the Masterplan envisions Cox’s Bazar as an exemplary example of sustainable environmental stewardship, harmonious economic growth, and enhanced resident welfare. By adopting this all-encompassing strategy, Cox’s Bazar can establish itself as a global model of sustainable development, owing to its distinctive amalgamation of ecological allure, urbanization demands, and vulnerability to climate change.
The Masterplan will encompass several key components, including a Strategic Policy Plan, Tourism Development Plan, Land Use Plan, and Sectoral Plans (Transportation, Disaster Management, Utility Infrastructure, Socio-economic Infrastructure). These plans will collectively define the direction for Cox’s Bazar’s development in alignment with the national vision and international standards.
By creating a well-balanced and sustainable developmental roadmap, the project intends to transform Cox’s Bazar into a model of planned urban and rural growth, fostering economic prosperity, preserving natural assets, and enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents and visitors.
Cox’s Bazar Masterplan to incorporate all stakeholders
In a presentation, the planner and consultants for the project briefed the participants on the unique features of the Masterplan.
For the first time in the country, the consultants will prioritize the opinions of all the stakeholders (local, national, and international) and incorporate them into the technical specifications of the plan.
The project will preserve the two thousand old history of Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar as an international gateway hub of trade and communication between East and West.
Managing Director of Celltron EMS Limited and Chief Coordinator of Campaign Advocacy Program Sheikh Mohammad Fauzul Mubin said, “The Masterplan will be conducted according with the Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina’s 27-point visions for Cox’s Bazaar, she declared during her visit on May 18, 2021. As representatives of the JV, we will make sure that we will implement the thoughts of the people and the aspirations of local inhabitants into the Masterplan.”
The international partner of the project Sasakiis a 65 years old US-based firm that has implemented over 860 international projects.
Team Leader of Masterplan Preparation for Cox’s Bazar District and Prinicipal Urban Designers Denis Piperz in his speech added, “Sasaki is one of the first inter-disciplinary firms to create a holistic approach to make the world better. With that vision, we are bringing our vast international experience to this project. We will build on the vision of the government and invest them in the existing communities to create a strong base for growth and evolution.”
In his concluding remarks, the chairman of CoxDA Commodore Mohammad Nurul Absar, NGP, NDC, PSC, BN (Retd) thanked everyone in the meeting. He added, “Today signifies a historical moment for Cox’s Bazaar Development Authority and the people of Cox’s Bazaar. Today we kick off the next 50 years of Cox’s Bazaar which will ensure the sustainability and development of the area. This will be a roadmap that how we want to see Cox’s Bazaar in the future.”
Other participants of the meetings were Project Director for CSC Lt Col Md Sadeque Mahmood, Lt. Colonel Tahsin Bin Alam, Project Director Celltron-EKArchitect JV Brig Gen Mamun Or Rashid (Retd.), Director of Celltron EMS Ltd, Colonel Shahid Mostafa (retd) and Urban Designer of SASAKI Alykhan Iqbal Mohamed. Land Use Planner Mohammad Hisham Uddin (Chisty) conducted the event.
