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The interim government has taken the initiative to modernise Mongla port for expanding its activities, resulting in the fast progress of the construction works of two more jetties in the second largest seaport of the country.
The government also has 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 40.68 billion project for the expansion and modernisation 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 4.75 billion will come from the government, while the remaining TK 35.92 billion will come through a loan from China.
Talking to BSS, Chief Planning Officer Zahirul Haque of MPA said at least 62 percent construction work on two jetties with a cost of TK 8 billion has been completed, as ECNEC has already approved the plan for 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 the next meeting.”
Meanwhile, a consultant has been appointed in this regard, he said, adding that dredging works are continuing for smooth movement of vessels, cargo, and ships.
Haque said Mongla Port will be a large regional hub after the completion of the jetties and other projects.
Cargo and container operations at the Mongla Port have been conducted with old and vulnerable machinery for the last three decades.
The port is in a suitable position geographically, Haque said, adding that goods are imported and exported to and from Nepal, Bhutan, and India through the country’s southwest region.
He, however, said expansion of the port is needed as pressure has been created due to neighbouring countries keen interest to use it.
Sources said cargo and container handling will increase, and export and import trading will get speed after the 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 the 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 the expansion of container handling capacity through the implementation of this project.
Referring to the 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.