PM visits Mongla Port, reviews expansion 

MONGLA, BAGERHAT, Oct 22: Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman on Thursday inspected overall operations and infrastructure of Mongla Port, the country’s second-largest seaport, as part of a government visit aimed at assessing the port’s capacity and exploring ways to expedite economic developments in the coastal south. 

PM visited the port’s jetty area in the afternoon and inspected various facilities including the port expansion project, jetty infrastructure and container yards. 

He gave directives to the officials concerned to enhance the port’s capacity in handling international trade, ensuring  faster cargo handling and accelerating its modernisation.

Senior officials of the Mongla Port Authority and representatives of the Ministry of Shipping accompanied the prime minister.

PM arrived in Mongla at around 10am. Before reaching the port, he toured parts of Khulna and coastal areas adjacent to the Sundarbans by helicopter and watercraft. He arrived at the Bangladesh Navy’s BNS Mongla base before proceeding directly to the port’s jetty area.

As his convoy entered through the port’s main gate, local BNP leaders and activists gathered there to welcome him.

Mongla Port is a key maritime gateway for the county’s southwestern region. Improving its handling capacity and modernising its facilities are considered important for facilitating cargo movement, supporting industrial investment and expanding trade opportunities in the region.

Following the port inspection, the prime minister was scheduled to review other development initiatives, including a proposed economic zone under the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). He was also expected to assess related development projects before returning to Dhaka.