The interim government is prioritising the transformation of Matarbari Deep Sea Port in Cox’s Bazar and Mongla Port in Bagerhat into key shipping hubs, a move that demands significant financial investment. Accordingly, the Ministry of Shipping has sought an almost 50 percent boost in its budget for the next fiscal year.
According to officials from the Planning Ministry, the budget for the Matarbari Port Development Project could nearly double, while the long-neglected Mongla Port may see a 45-fold increase in development funds compared to the current fiscal year.
The government is working to establish Matarbari as the country’s first deep-sea port, as the water depth at the older ports — Chattogram and Mongla — is insufficient for large ocean-going vessels.
Consequently, The interim government is working to revive Mongla Port, which has long been underused due to inadequate connectivity and logistical challenges. The initiative aims to strengthen regional links and expand international trade.
Currently, about 80 percent of Bangladesh’s foreign trade is conducted through the Chattogram Port.
According to officials from the Planning Commission, the Ministry of Shipping has requested a total allocation of Tk 10,430 billion in the upcoming Annual Development Programme (ADP), which is 48 percent higher than the revised ADP for the current fiscal year. In the revised ADP for FY 2024–25, the government allocated Tk 7,059 crore to this sector.
A senior official from the Ministry of Shipping said, "A significant allocation has been requested for the development of Matarbari and Mongla ports, as these two ports are receiving special priority in our development agenda.”
He added, “Mongla Port has faced challenges for decades. We aim to revitalise it to expand Bangladesh’s foreign trade and regional connectivity, particularly with India, Nepal, and Bhutan.”
The official also stated that Matarbari Port is expected to become one of Bangladesh’s major economic lifelines in the future, as it is projected to evolve into an international transport hub for global cargo movement.
He further mentioned that the Bangladesh government has already signed an agreement with a Chinese company for the development of Mongla — the country’s second-largest port.
He also confirmed that the government has authorised the use of Mongla Port for Nepal and Bhutan’s foreign trade.
“We have constructed a new railway line to enhance connectivity to the port, expanded existing roads and bridges, and are now working on improving logistics facilities,” he added.
As per the data, the Ministry of Shipping has proposed a budget of Tk 2,268 crore for the development of Matarbari Port in the 2025–26 Annual Development Programme (ADP). In the current fiscal year’s ADP, the allocation for the Matarbari Port Development Project was Tk 1,986 crore. Additionally, it has sought Tk 1,080 crore for an ongoing road project connecting Matarbari to Cox’s Bazar town.
For Mongla Port development, the ministry has requested Tk 615 crore for FY 2025–26, compared to just Tk 135.5 crore in the current ADP. The ministry has also requested increased funding for the development of Payra Port. In the upcoming ADP, Tk 260 crore has been requested for the infrastructure development project of Payra Port, compared to an allocation of Tk 85.67 crore in the current fiscal year.
(Translated by Afia Nanjiba Ibnat)
Bd-pratidin English
