Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Saturday said the government plans to bring major changes to the management and operations of Mongla Port within the next 180 days.
He made the comments while speaking to reporters after visiting the port in the afternoon.
The minister said Mongla Port plays a vital role in the national economy and foreign trade, and existing challenges will be reviewed and discussed with the prime minister.
Following the prime minister’s directives, Shaikh Rabiul Alam said steps will be taken to modernise the port, which is expected to boost employment, improve communication and strengthen the regional economy.
He added that the government aims to make Mongla a central hub for import and export by tapping the strong potential of the south-western region.
“If the port’s full capacity is used with proper facilities, Mongla will soon operate as an effective and full-fledged port like Chattogram,” he said.
The minister said Mongla Port has been included in the government’s 180-day priority action plan and expressed optimism that visible improvements would be achieved within six months.
He also stressed that there would be no development gap between Chattogram and Mongla ports, saying Mongla would be upgraded into a modern and efficient facility.
On questions about previously suspended or cancelled development agreements with neighbouring countries, the minister said all such deals would be reviewed carefully, with national interest given top priority.
Any agreement that caused losses in the past would be re-examined before being revived.
Shaikh Rabiul Alam, who also holds the railway portfolio, said the construction of a suspension bridge over the Mongla River is necessary and would be considered urgently.
He also announced plans to increase train services on the Mongla–Khulna route by adding new coaches and locomotives.
Earlier in the day, the minister took part in a meeting at the Mongla Port Authority conference room.
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Dr Sheikh Faridul Islam, Shipping Secretary Dr Nurunnahar Chowdhury, Mongla Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman, and other senior officials were present.
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