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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to visit Mongla Port tomorrow, just two weeks after his previous visit, to inaugurate construction of two new container jetties, yards and associated facilities involving an investment of Tk 4,068 crore.
The prime minister last visited the port on October 22 to assess its development prospects. His upcoming visit has generated enthusiasm among port users and people from different walks of life in the region.
Mongla Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mostafa said the inauguration would mark a major step in the port’s modernisation and expansion programme.
He said the prime minister had signed the development agreement during his recent visit to China. Subsequently, a memorandum of understanding and a loan agreement were signed between Bangladesh and China on October 10, paving the way for the project.
The Tk 4,068-crore project includes construction of two container jetties and container yards, along with the installation of 49 modern pieces of equipment for cargo handling.
Of the total project cost, the government will contribute Tk 475 crore, while the remaining amount will be financed by the concerned Chinese company, the port chairman said.
Mongla Port Berth and Ship Operators Association General Secretary Md Julfikar Ali said port users were also demanding planned dredging and maintenance to improve the navigability of the port channel.
They have also called for better road and railway connectivity, the reopening of Foyla Airport and speedy construction of an LNG terminal at Akram Point to enhance the port’s operational capacity.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Lion Dr Sheikh Faridul Islam said the prime minister would also witness the signing of a railway agreement between Invest Bangladesh and China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC).
The agreement is expected to pave the way for container train services through Mongla Port, encouraging greater business interest and investment, he said.
The prime minister’s second visit within two weeks is expected to add fresh momentum to the port’s development.
Once the projects are implemented, Mongla Port could emerge as an alternative to Chattogram Port, strengthening Bangladesh’s trade and transport infrastructure, officials and port users hope.