Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday inspected Mongla Port, the Sundarbans and the site of a proposed economic zone in Bagerhat during a daylong visit to the southwestern region, raising hopes among local residents and businesspeople for fresh investment, infrastructure development and economic growth there.
He left Dhaka by helicopter around 9am and flew over parts of the Sundarbans, including Hiron Point, to observe the world's largest mangrove forest after reaching the southwestern part.
The helicopter later landed at the Nalian Secondary School ground in Dakop upazila of Khulna around 10:30am.
The prime minister then travelled by waterway to BNS Mongla, a Bangladesh Navy facility in Bagerhat, where he met Navy officials, port authorities and local administration officials at the wardroom.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, Whip Rakibul Islam, Khulna Divisional Commissioner Md Abdulla Harun, Mongla Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mostafa, Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Md Baten, Superintendent of Police Md Jamirul Islam, and senior officials of the Navy and Coast Guard were present.
After the meeting and lunch, Tarique Rahman inspected the jetty facilities and operations of Mongla Port.
He later visited the site of the proposed economic zone planned by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).
The prime minister left Mongla for Dhaka by helicopter around 5pm after completing his engagements.
Security was tightened across the Sundarbans, Dakop and Mongla areas during the prime minister's visit, with members of law enforcement and security agencies deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of his engagements.
During the visit, local residents gathered to greet the prime minister and expressed their hopes for development in the region.
They expected the visit to bring renewed government attention to the area's long-standing development needs.
Local businesspeople also expressed hope that the prime minister's visit will help address long-standing problems facing Mongla Port and the surrounding industrial areas.
Businessman Firoz Ahmed said the prime minister’s visit raised hopes for development and will help improve the livelihoods of people in the region.
Another businessman, Hemayet Uddin, said the southwestern region, including Mongla, had long been neglected.
He said infrastructure development is essential for business growth and economic progress, expressing hope that the prime minister’s visit will help accelerate development in the area.
Hamayet also said the proposed economic zone will create jobs for a large number of people in Mongla, while the launch of an LNG terminal will facilitate the expansion of trade and commerce across the region.
BNP leader Hafizur Rahman Tuhin said the port's development, the proposed LNG terminal near Akram Point and the economic zone will significantly boost the regional economy.
He also stressed the need to resolve problems related to jetty facilities and dredging.
Md Julfikar Ali, general secretary of the Mongla Port Berth and Ship Operators’ Association, said the development of floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) facilities will help meet the region's energy needs and support industrial growth.
Sheikh Sahed Ali Robi, president of the Bagerhat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stressed the need for regular dredging to maintain the navigability of the port channel and modernise customs services to make port operations more efficient.
State Minister Faridul said industrialisation and investment centred on Mongla Port will create jobs and improve livelihoods in the coastal region, including for people affected by climate change.
He said coordinated development of the port, the proposed economic zone and tourism in the Sundarbans will help transform the southwestern region into a major centre for trade and investment.