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Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam has said the government has taken initiatives to establish the southern region as a new economic hub centring on Mongla Port, with a view to ensuring balanced development across the country.
“The Prime Minister has visited Mongla Port twice in 15 days. He believes that extensive development and economic opportunities must be ensured in the southwestern region,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while addressing the inauguration ceremony of newly elected representatives of the Mongla Port Authority Employees’ Association as the chief guest at the port jetty around 11:30 am on Friday.
He said the government had already taken necessary steps to address the energy crisis and ensure the facilities and services required for industrialisation.
“What we need now is a united effort to ensure stability, peace and progress. Otherwise, the potential, capabilities and capacities of people in the greater Khulna, Faridpur and Barishal regions may once again go unrealised,” he said.
He stressed the need for coordinated efforts in the greater national interest, adding that differences of opinion would remain but people must unite on issues of broader importance.
Sheikh Robiul said a new container jetty, yard and modern equipment were being developed at Mongla Port, while a China Economic and Industrial Zone (EPZ) was also being established in the area.
Several major industrial enterprises are showing interest in investing in the region, he said, adding that the highway from Bhanga to Mongla was being expanded and railway connectivity was also in the pipeline.
The minister said the southwestern and south-northern regions had significant potential for energy development and industrialisation.
He expressed confidence that the economy, infrastructure, trade, commerce and import-export activities of the southern region would expand substantially during the current government’s tenure, centred on Mongla Port.
“The Prime Minister has told me that Mongla, Khulna, Faridpur and Barishal remain underdeveloped. It is impossible to ensure national development by leaving any region behind,” he added.
Sheikh Mamunur Rahman, director (administration) of Mongla Port Authority, administered the oath to the newly elected representatives.
Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mustafa, chairman of Mongla Port Authority, presided over the ceremony.
Khulna Development Authority Chairman SM Shafiqul Islam Mona, Bagerhat District Council Administrator Barrister Zakir Hossain, election committee president and former Mongla Pourashava mayor Md Zulfikar Ali, among others, attended the programme.
