Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said a comprehensive transformation of the management of Mongla Port will be undertaken within the next 180 days, underscoring the port’s strategic importance to the national economy and foreign trade.
Speaking to journalists during his first visit to Mongla Port on Saturday after assuming charge of the ministry, Rabiul said key challenges facing the port would be identified and discussed with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
Development initiatives would then be implemented in line with the prime minister’s directives, he said, adding that the move would positively impact the region’s people, employment generation, connectivity, and overall economic growth.
The minister expressed optimism that with the addition of a few facilities and targeted improvements, Mongla Port could quickly emerge as a fully capable and competitive seaport comparable to Chittagong Port.
Emphasizing balanced development, Rabiul said there would be no discrimination between Chittagong and Mongla ports. “We will utilize the full potential of Mongla Port and develop it into a modern and efficient maritime hub,” he added.
Responding to a question about whether canceled or suspended development agreements between Mongla Port and several neighboring countries would be revived, the minister said the agreements would be reviewed carefully with due consideration to national interests.
Among others, State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sheikh Faridul Islam; Shipping Ministry Secretary Dr Nurunnahar Chowdhury; Chairman of Mongla Port Authority Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman; as well as senior port officials and business leaders were present.
