The interim government has taken initiative to modernize Mongla port for expanding its activities resulting in progressing fast the construction works of two more jetties in the second largest sea port of the country, reports BSS.
The government has also a plan to construct four more new jetties to enhance its container handling capacity and transform the port into a modern, world-class maritime hub.
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approved a TK 4,068.23 crore project for expansion and modernization of Mongla port facilities on February 2 last.
The Mongla Port Authority (MPA), under the Ministry of Shipping, will implement the project by December 2028. Of the total cost, TK 475.33 crore will come from the government, while the remaining TK 3,592.90 crore will come through a loan from China.
Talking to BSS, Chief Planning Officer Zahirul Haque of MPA said at least 62 percent construction works of two jetties with a cost of TK 800 crore has been completed as ECNEC has already approved plan of two more new jetties on February 2, 2025.
He, however, said, "We will also send revised Draft Project Proposal (DPP) of two more jetties taken earlier to ECNEC for approval in next meeting".
Meanwhile, consultant has been appointed in this regard, he said, adding that dredging works are continuing for smooth movement of vessels, cargo and ship.
Haque said Mongla Port will be a large regional hub after completion of the jetties and other projects.
Cargo and container of the Mongla Port has been operated with old and vulnerable machineries in the last three decades.
The port is in suitable position in geographically, Haque said, adding that so, goods are imported and exported to and from Nepal, Bhutan and India through country's south-west region.
He, however, said expansion of the port is needed as pressure has been created due to neighboring countries keen interest to use it.
Sources said cargo and container handling will increase and export and import trading will get speed after completion of the jetties.
Dr Sheikh Faridul Islam, a user of the Port, said the Mongla port activities have already been geared up for various steps of the interim government.
Commodore Md Shafiqul Islam Sarkar, Project Director of Jetty Construction and member of MPA, said the ongoing construction works of no-3 and no-4 jetties would be completed within one and a half years as construction works of the two more jetties would begin soon.
Talking to BSS, Chairman of MPA Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman spoke about geographical significance of the Mongla Port saying the government is committed to developing the port into a regional hub by strengthening its container handling infrastructure.
He said international trade could be expanded further with Bhutan, Nepal and China in expansion of container handling capacity through implementation of this project.
Referring to recent visit of Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain, the MPA chairman said that the adviser announced several key projects during a meeting with port officials in Khulna.
The initiatives include dredging the Pashur Channel, upgrading port facilities, and constructing two new jetties. These projects will allow the port to handle 800,000 TEU containers, 4 million metric tonnes of cargo, and 30,000 vehicles annually.
He in his address also encouraged neighboring Nepal and Bhutan to utilize the Mongla port, suggesting it would boost regional trade and economic growth, Shaheen Rahman added.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
