Mongla Port project cost reduced by Tk 600 crore: Adviser Sakhawat

Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (Retd.) M. Sakhawat Hussain on Thursday said the cost of the Chinese-funded project to upgrade Mongla Port had been reduced by approximately Tk 600 crore. 

"Authorities are considering the establishment of a land port at Ghumdhum border to strengthen future connectivity with Arakan and Rakhine. Meanwhile, the customs auction process has been progressing well," he said.  

The Shipping Adviser made these remarks during a press briefing on Thursday at Jetty No. 1 of Chattogram Port.

Adviser Sakhawat Hussain said, "We are working to upgrade Mongla Port into a high-standard facility. A Chinese project has already been approved for this purpose, and work is expected to begin soon. The project cost has been reduced by Tk 600 crore, which is unprecedented in Bangladesh."

Sakhawat mentioned that he had recently visited several border ports connected to Chattogram Port. 

"I have formed a committee to assess their profitability. I have identified eight land ports where there has been no import for the past ten years, yet we are incurring expenses from revenue. We need to decide whether to develop them further or shut them down," he said.

He also highlighted the potential for a land port at Ghumdhum in Bandarban’s Naikhongchhari upazila. 

"We already have a port at Teknaf that facilitates some trade with Myanmar. We will assess Ghumdhum’s land connection with Arakan and Rakhine. Despite the current situation in Myanmar, our relationship with Rakhine will continue, considering the presence of Rohingya people there. If necessary, we will establish a port at Ghumdhum," he added.

Sakhawat mentioned that Chattogram Port’s efficiency has improved significantly over the past six months. 

"Investment in the port is increasing, especially in the Bay Terminal and Laldia areas. Denmark is also in discussions to develop another terminal beside Laldia. The World Bank is set to invest $650 million, which will be a major boost for the port and regional employment," he stated.

"Matarbari Port is progressing well under Japanese supervision. The Japanese do not halt projects like we do. The port is expected to be fully operational by 2030. You will hear positive news about other projects by August," he assured.

Earlier on Thursday, while inspecting Chattogram Port’s car shed, Sakhawat faced a protest from labor unions demanding that the CCT and NCT yards remain under public management instead of privatization.

He assured the labor leaders that he would return to Chattogram for a dedicated discussion. 

Ibrahim Khokon, chief coordinator of the BNP-affiliated labor union at Chattogram Port, told the media that keeping the CCT and NCT yards under public operation could generate around 4,000 jobs.

Chattogram Port Chairman Rear Admiral S. M. Moniruzzaman and Secretary Mohd. Omar Faruk were also present at the event.