The construction work of Paira Sea Port, the third sea port of the country, is likely to begin mid-November.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the construction work of the port. Earlier, the cabinet approved construction of the port in an October 7 meeting.
Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan provided these updates at a press conference at PID conference room in the capital Thursday.
The minister said the work of this port would begin during the rule of the existing government, since the cabinet would be active until a new administration takes charge.
The Paira Sea Port would be established at the Paira river in Rabnabad of Kalapara upazila under Patuakhali district through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme.
Shahjahan Khan said a feasibility study of the port was now underway, which would estimate the total investment plan. The cabinet approved in principle the Paira Sea Port Authority Act on August 5. The port would begin primary work with short-range operations such as setting up pontoons at the Rabnabad channel under the Chittagong Port Authority.
The CPA would provide technical and financial support for operations at the Paira Sea Port.
According to the proposed law, a six-member executive board would operate the activities at the port. The board would have assistance from several specialists and advisory councils.
The additional secretary to the cabinet division, Khondakar Iftekhar Haidar, said the distance of Ramnabad channel was 31km from the the sea boundary, 16km from Chittagong and 130km from Mongla port.
The initiative was made in a bid to expand international trade and develop the south-mid region of the country.