A parliamentary watchdog body yesterday recommended formulating a master plan to develop and modernise Mongla Seaport with a highway and an airport.
The suggestion put forward at the 4th meeting of the Standing Committee on Shipping Ministry at Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Bhaban, presided over by Chairman Maj (Retd) Rafiqul Islam.
Committee members Talukder Abdul Khaleque, M. Abdul Hai, M. Habibur Rahman, Ranajit Kumar Roy, M. Anwarul Azim and Mamtaz Begum attended the meeting, according to a press release.
The meeting also held discussion on the overall activities of Paira Port Authority.
The body suggested formation of a joint committee of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and Bangladesh Water Development Board to coordinate activities between the two agencies subject to approval by the Prime Minister.
It also suggested introducing a dedicated ferry service on Mawa- Kaorakandi route for the transportation of garment materials.
The meeting suggested making all land ports functional and filling up vacant posts in Mongla Seaport. It also recommended the ministry to put the land ports earlier inaugurated by the government into operation as soon as possible.
Shipping secretary and senior officials were present at the meeting.