Mongla Port visit raises hopes for southwest

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Mongla Port and a proposed economic zone on Thursday has raised hopes for increased investment, trade and employment in southwestern Bangladesh.

During his daylong tour, Rahman inspected port facilities, including container yards, cargo handling systems and the ongoing expansion project. He instructed officials to improve capacity, speed up cargo clearance and modernise infrastructure.

He also visited the proposed economic zone under the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) to assess prospects for industrialisation and job creation.

Business leaders stressed the need to improve port facilities, dredge shipping channels and modernise customs operations to reduce pressure on Chattogram Port.

Mohammad Zulfikar Ali, general secretary of the Mongla Port Berth and Ship Operators Association, said developing port infrastructure and advancing related projects could boost regional trade.

BARVIDA President Abdul Haque urged the government to resolve problems faced by vehicle importers, while State Minister Sheikh Faridul Islam said the visit could help accelerate investment in the region.

Rahman returned to Dhaka around 5 PM after visiting the Sundarbans, a naval base, Mongla Port and the proposed economic zone.

-AJM