The construction of two more jetties in the nation’s second-largest seaport has advanced quickly as a result of the interim government’s initiative to modernize Mongla port in order to increase its operations.
In order to increase the port’s capacity to handle containers and turn it into a cutting-edge, premier marine hub, the government also plans to build four more new jetties.
On February 2nd, the National Economic Council’s Executive Committee (ECNEC) authorized a TK 4,068.23 crore project to upgrade and expand the port facilities at Mongla.
The Mongla Port Authority (MPA), under the Ministry of Shipping, will implement the project by December 2028. Of the total cost, TK 475.33 crore will come from the government, while the remaining TK 3,592.90 crore will come through a loan from China.
Talking to BSS, Chief Planning Officer Zahirul Haque of MPA said at least 62 percent construction works of two jetties with a cost of TK 800 crore has been completed as ECNEC has already approved plan of 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 next meeting”.
Meanwhile, consultant has been appointed in this regard, he said, adding that dredging works are continuing for smooth movement of vessels, cargo and ship.
Haque said Mongla Port will be a large regional hub after completion of the jetties and other projects.
Cargo and container of the Mongla Port has been operated with old and vulnerable machineries in the last three decades.
The port is in suitable position in geographically, Haque said, adding that so, goods are imported and exported to and from Nepal, Bhutan and India through country’s south-west region.
He, however, said expansion of the port is needed as pressure has been created due to neighboring countries keen interest to use it.Sources said cargo and container handling will increase and export and import trading will get speed after 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.
According to Commodore Md. Shafiqul Islam Sarkar, MPA member and Project Director of Jetty Construction, the two additional jetties’ construction will shortly start, and the current no-3 and no-4 jetties’ construction would be finished in a year and a half.
In an interview with BSS, MPA Chairman Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman discussed the geographical importance of the Mongla Port and stated that the government is dedicated to transforming the port into a regional center by bolstering its facilities for handling containers.
He said international trade could be expanded further with Bhutan, Nepal and China in expansion of container handling capacity through implementation of this project.
Referring to 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.
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