It is great news that the country's first maritime runway is set to be completed and inaugurated by the end of November. What makes the event more significant, however, is the fact that this project is set to be inaugurated in one of the biggest economic and tourism hubs of the country -- Cox's Bazar
If all goes well, the runway has the potential to turn Cox's Bazar into one of the most important maritime ports in the region.
The current plan will see the runway expand from its current length of 9,000ft to 10,700ft, and in its completed form, it will stretch towards Maheshkhali Channel through reclaimed coastal land. Not only will this allow the runway to surpass the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) -- which stands at 10,500 feet -- but it will allow it to be utilized by larger aircrafts such as international flights landing in Cox's Bazar Airport.
This, along with improvements to the Cox's Bazar airport -- which are expected to result in infrastructure that can handle over 350 flights in 24 hours -- has the potential to be a game changer.
Cox's Bazar boasts the largest natural sea beach in the world, but due to challenges in infrastructure, tourist-friendly amenities, and a lack of proper marketing, the potential of this natural resource has been all but wasted. Cox's Bazar's overall location also puts it in the perfect position to become one of the biggest trading hubs in all of South Asia. With proper implementation, such potential will hopefully turn into reality sooner rather than later.
The relevant authorities must make sure that this initiative does not fall into the same trap which saw other major infrastructural projects be delayed for years before coming into fruition. The effects of such transformation have to be studied and relevant lessons have to be applied throughout the country.
Bangladesh has more potential than we give it credit for. Let's make sure it shines through.
