Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has told Parliament that constructing a pipeline to transport gas directly from Bhola to the mainland would take at least seven years. Instead of waiting that long, the government has taken specific plans to establish industries, build a fertilizer factory and construct new power plants in Bhola itself.

The Prime Minister made the remarks on Wednesday (September 9) in response to a supplementary question from Sultana Ahmed, a member of Parliament from reserved women’s seat-17, during the question-and-answer session in the National Parliament.

The Prime Minister said that if a plan were undertaken to transport Bhola’s gas to the mainland through a pipeline, it would take around seven years to implement. Therefore, the government is placing greater emphasis on alternative measures that can be implemented more quickly and effectively.

He said work has already begun to facilitate the establishment of a large number of industrial units in Bhola. Many industrial entrepreneurs are making sincere efforts to establish gas-based industries there. Local use of the gas for industrialization would create significant employment opportunities in Bhola while also substantially expanding the regional economy, he added.

Outlining the government’s detailed plans to use Bhola’s gas resources for public welfare and in the national interest, the Prime Minister said a large fertilizer factory is planned for the district. At the same time, the government is taking initiatives to build another 500-megawatt power plant at the same location. Once implemented, the projects will ensure maximum utilization of Bhola’s gas resources, he said.

In response to a question from Bhola-4 constituency MP Mohammad Nurul Islam, the Prime Minister said a special strategic development framework has been prepared for the next five years as part of implementing the government’s 2026 election manifesto.

The development plan, covering July 2026 to June 2031, prioritizes balanced and equitable economic growth across all regions of the country. A comprehensive master plan for Bhola is being formulated by taking into account the district’s regional characteristics, local natural resources, people’s needs, coastal climate risks and infrastructure limitations, he said.

The government has also outlined specific measures to utilize Bhola’s substantial natural gas resources for the national economy. A plan has been adopted to construct a new 400-megawatt gas-fired power plant in Bhola.

In addition, an initiative is being implemented to convert 60 million cubic feet of gas per day from the Veduria and Ilisha gas fields in Bhola into LNG and supply it to the Khulna power hub through lighterage operations. Once these projects are operational, they will ensure proper utilization of Bhola’s gas resources and further strengthen the country’s overall energy security, the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister said Bhola has been given special importance under a dedicated framework aimed at increasing the contribution of marine and coastal resources to the national economy.

Under the new strategic framework, Bhola district and its surrounding islands have been designated as the central hub of the country’s blue economy zone. Under this special zone, priority will be given to conserving hilsa and other fisheries resources, developing integrated agriculture in the extensive coastal char areas, building climate-resilient infrastructure and ensuring maritime security.

Considering Bhola’s strategic geographical location, gas fields, fertile agricultural land and vast coastal fisheries resources, the government is emphasizing long-term development plans and increased public and private investment.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that rapid implementation of these integrated initiatives would bring a major transformation to the overall economy of the island district of Bhola in the coming days.