Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, announced plans to develop Mongla Port to international standards.
The adviser made these statements during his first visit to Mongla Port after assuming his role.
Several projects are underway to modernize and upgrade the port, with additional projects planned for future development.
The visit included a discussion session held at the port's conference room, where senior port officials presented a comprehensive PowerPoint on dredging, development projects, and annual figures for ship, cargo, container, and vehicle imports.
Following the meeting, the adviser inspected various locations in the Pashur channel, including the VTMIS (Vessel Traffic Management and Information System), waste management area, and permanent port jetty.
During a press briefing in the yard area, the adviser said that despite Mongla Port's long-standing potential, its development has been inadequate.
There is no container terminal at present, but under a G2G project funded by China, two container berths, a yard, and other facilities are planned, which will enhance regional connectivity in South Asia.
The adviser added that Mongla's rail and waterway connections make it a convenient port for landlocked neighboring countries like Nepal and Bhutan.
There are also plans to construct two new yards and other structures funded by India’s LOC-3.
Upon completion, these projects will transform the port.
The development of the connecting road is ongoing and expected to finish soon.
Mongla’s tariff structure is often lower than Chittagong Port's, providing an advantage for trade.
The port authority plans to produce a promotional brochure to highlight these benefits, which will be sent to Bangladesh's missions abroad.
Mongla is Bangladesh’s second-largest seaport, strategically important due to its geographical location and significant economic contributions.
Located only 210 kilometers from Dhaka by road, the port is also connected by rail and waterways to the capital and other parts of the country, making it crucial for the nation's infrastructure.
