Boost Mongla Port’s capacity, speed up modernisation: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday directed officials concerned to enhance the operational capacity of Mongla Port, accelerate modernisation and ensure faster cargo handling during a visit to the country’s second-largest seaport.

The prime minister inspected the overall operations and infrastructure of Mongla Port, focusing on its expansion, improved facilities and potential to boost the economic prospects of the country’s southwestern coastal region.

Earlier, he toured parts of Khulna and the coastal areas adjacent to the Sundarbans by helicopter and watercraft.

He later visited the Naval Base BNS Mongla before heading to the port’s jetty area at around 3pm.

During the visit, the prime minister inspected the port expansion project, jetty facilities, container yards and other infrastructure.

He instructed the officials concerned to strengthen the port’s capacity to handle international trade, ensure faster cargo clearance and expedite modernisation efforts.

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

After the port visit, Tarique Rahman was scheduled to review proposed development projects, including an economic zone planned by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), before returning to Dhaka.

Earlier on Thursday, the prime minister left Dhaka by helicopter for the Sundarbans around 10am to inspect several development projects in the country’s coastal region.