Jamaat Ameer warns against compromising Bangladesh’s sovereignty over Matarbari port

Leader of the Opposition and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said Bangladesh must not compromise its national interests, security or geographical sovereignty over any initiative involving the Matarbari deep-sea port.

“The people will not accept this. What is happening in this regard must be made clear to the public,” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday.

He said Bangladesh had previously extended various facilities under arrangements described as being in the country’s interests, including transit and corridor agreements, but had failed to receive any tangible benefits.

“Whether it is Japan, China or any other friendly country, Bangladesh’s sovereignty, security and interests must come first,” he said.

Shafiqur said the government was responsible for safeguarding the country’s interests and security, adding that the public would not accept any failure or compromise on its part.

His remarks came amid renewed attention to the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B), a Japan-backed initiative centred on economic development and connectivity, including the development of Matarbari in Cox’s Bazar.

Bangladesh and Japan recently relaunched the initiative in Tokyo as “BIG-B for Shared Prosperity” during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

The renewed framework focuses on connectivity, preparedness for disasters and geopolitical risks, public-private partnerships, and cooperation for peace and stability.

The two countries said Japanese private investment in Bangladesh could reach up to one trillion yen, equivalent to around $6.3 billion, over the next five years, potentially creating about 200,000 jobs.