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LALMONIRHAT: The government is exploring the possibility of reopening the long-abandoned Moghalhat Land Port in Lalmonirhat to boost bilateral trade and regional connectivity between Bangladesh and India.
State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Md Rajib Ahsan inspected the port site on Sunday to assess the prospects of reopening the facility.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu attended a discussion meeting organised during the inspection as the chief guest.
The inspection and meeting were held as part of the government’s initiative to revive the historic land port, which has remained inactive for years.
During the visit, State Minister Rajib Ahsan said reopening Moghalhat Land Port would give fresh momentum to bilateral trade between Bangladesh and India while creating new opportunities for the economy, business and employment in Lalmonirhat and surrounding areas.
He said Bangladesh Land Port Authority Chairman Mohammad Manjarul Mannan and senior officials had already inspected the physical infrastructure and overall condition of the port and prepared a report based on their findings.
“The necessary preparations are in place on Bangladesh’s side to reopen the port,” the state minister said.
He said a bridge over the river, roads, a small railway station and necessary manpower would be required to make the port operational. The government is ready to develop the required infrastructure, he added.
However, he said an agreement with India would be necessary for the initiative to move forward.
“If India does not start work on its side, it will not be possible for Bangladesh to reopen the port,” Rajib Ahsan said.
The Moghalhat Land Port has remained largely inactive since the railway bridge over the Dharla River was damaged in the devastating flood of 1988, disrupting operations at the port.
The government believes reopening the port could expand Bangladesh-India trade and regional connectivity while opening up new economic opportunities in the northern region.
As part of its efforts to expand trade and strengthen regional connectivity, the government has also taken initiatives to revive important closed and abandoned land ports such as Moghalhat.