Plans for a \\\'megacity\\\' in Chittagong

Bangladesh has demonstrated lower signs of urbanisation in the 21st century, although the urban system - distribution of urban centres by size - offers an opportunity of turning the system into a geographic prototype. The Mayor of Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) has remarkably made a proposal to turn Chittagong into a 'megacity'. This is actually the expression of a government interest to urbanise Bangladesh according to the principles of global trade and economic development. A trans-national corridor along the Dhaka-Chittagong belt is also necessary to facilitate the urban development of Chittagong plus the accomplishment of regional trade with India and Myanmar.
Nevertheless, the future of Bangladesh relies on a vision - a blend of urbanised localities and rural-agricultural areas. A zoning of agricultural lands along with its maintenance must be ensured. In addition to the aspects of land management, the forests, hills, water bodies and wetlands require proper conservation. Given that Bangladesh will be in possession of an extremely large population, the need for high-density settlements, including the urban types, is paramount in every sense.
Due to the density and close proximity to Chittagong, small municipalities and rural habitats in the districts of Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Khhagrachhari, Bandarban, Feni and Comilla will eventually assume a metropolitan character - the massive urbanisation can unlock limitless economic possibilities in these areas in the form of agro-industries and tourism. The future reality of the incredible urbanisation in Bangladesh will probably become quite unique compared to rest of the world.
Shahidul Islam Ratul
Mohammadpur, Dhaka