The government has undertaken a slew of technology-driven development initiatives to enhance the capacity, modernise operations and ensure efficient management of Chattagram seaport by overcoming years of "irregularities and operational inefficiencies".
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Wednesday unveiled in parliament the package programme for upgrading the prime port in keeping with the country's growing economy and trade.
He disclosed the plan in a written reply to a question from Sarwar Jamal Nizam, a lawmaker from Chattagram-13 constituency. The parliament sitting was chaired by Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal.
The prime minister has noted that the operational capacity of Chattagram Port has been increasing steadily over the years.
Despite the global economic slowdown, the COVID-19 pandemic and other international challenges, the country's principal seaport maintained uninterrupted operations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring the smooth flow of Bangladesh's import and export activities, he told the House.
According to the prime minister, cargo handling at Chattagram Port stood at 45.4 million metric tonnes in 2010, while container handling was 1.34 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
By 2025, cargo handling had increased to 138.15 million metric tonnes and container throughput had reached 3.41 million TEUs. Compared with the previous year, cargo handling grew by 4.7 percent and container handling by 10.5 percent in 2025, he added.
To further enhance the port's capacity, the government is implementing several major infrastructure projects, including the construction of new terminals. Operations have already begun at the Patenga Container Terminal (PCT), while construction of the Laldia Container Terminal is progressing. Regular capital -and maintenance dredging is also being carried out to maintain navigability, the prime minister said.
"The government has placed particular emphasis on digitising port management to improve efficiency and service delivery. As part of these efforts, the port has introduced an online Port Community System, e-Delivery Order, e-Payment facilities and various automation initiatives."
Security has also been strengthened in line with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. An online payment system has been introduced to enable users to pay port charges more quickly and conveniently.
In addition, he said, an e-Gate Pass system has been launched to facilitate vehicle entry, while the CPA SKY system and the Port Single Window have been introduced as part of the implementation of a paperless port.
The government has also initiated steps to achieve full automation of port operations.
The prime minister further said that initiatives had been taken in the 2025-26 fiscal year to procure new equipment to enhance the port's cargo-and container- handling capacity.
"Work orders have already been issued for the procurement of three five-tonne forklifts, while tenders for two empty container handling forklifts and two 10-tonne forklifts are currently under evaluation," Tarique Rahman said while elaborating on the port-modernisation recipe.
He said the government would continue investing in infrastructure development, expanding technology-based services and procuring modern equipment to further improve the efficiency and capacity of the country's principal seaport.
He notes with confidence that the implementation of these initiatives would accelerate Bangladesh's import and export activities and strengthen the country's competitiveness in international trade.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com
