KHULNA, May 06, 2025 (BSS): Mongla Port, the second largest seaport of the country, would turn into a regional hub after implementation of a recently-taken China-funded development project, experts, port users and stakeholders opined.
They made the observation after Bangladesh and China signed an agreement to implement a major infrastructure development project - 'Expansion and Development of Mongla Port Facilities' - aimed at enhancing operational capacity of the seaport and transforming it into a regional maritime hub.
Besides, officials concerned said capacity of the port is expected to increase significantly upon completion of the project, approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on February 2.
Later, on March 25, a contract was signed between the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for implementation of the project on a government-to-government (G2G) basis, MPA Deputy Director (DD) Md Makruzzaman said.
Due to improved connectivity with Dhaka, Mongla Port has created increased interest among importers and exporters in the recent years. To overcome its limitations, such as shortage of jetties and inadequate infrastructure, the government has set a target to complete the project by December 2028, he added.
The total cost of the project has been estimated at Tk 40.68 billion, of which Tk 4.75 billion will be financed by the Bangladesh government, while the remaining Tk 35.92 billion will come as loan from the Chinese government.
MPA Chief Planning Officer Md Zahirul Haque said the project would include construction of two container jetties, each 368 metres in length, along with a modern container terminal, delivery yard, multi-storied car yard, sunken wreck removal system, improvement of main road, and sheet piling works.
In addition, an 87,600 square metre container yard, 34,170 square metre empty container yard, and 4,260 square metre hazardous cargo handling yard would be constructed.
The port would also be equipped with modern cargo handling equipment and an automated operational system, including Bangladesh's first unmanned crane system for cargo unloading.
Once implemented, the project would increase Mongla Port's annual cargo handling capacity to 15 million tonnes. Its container handling capacity is expected to rise from 150,000 TEUs to 400,000 TEUs, he said.
"These will significantly improve the port's efficiency, operational capacity, and regional importance, thereby reducing turnaround time and facilitating smoother import-export activities," he added.
Economists also welcomed the initiative, terming it a positive step towards strengthening the regional economy.
Professor Dr Md Samiul Haque of Khulna University said the investment would not only improve infrastructure but also enhance Bangladesh's economic and strategic capabilities.
On the other hand, modern commercial infrastructure in the coastal belt would attract both domestic and foreign investments, eventually turning Mongla into a key economic hub in the south, he added.
MPA Chairman Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman said implementation of the project would enable the port to raise its container handling capability, and transform it into an automated port.
"Now the viability of the port has increased to a great extent, and it is very hopeful. The port infrastructures are well developed, and its capacity has also increased."
He said if the project is completed within the scheduled time, the economy of the south-western region would expand.
Exporters and importers now prefer to use Mongla Port after opening of the Padma Bridge for traffic, the port is linked with railways, and installation of the most modern and new equipment. Consequently, it takes less time to load and unload goods from the ships. As a result, arrival of commercial ships at the port has increased to a great extent, he added.
Sayed Zahid Hossain, President of Mongla Port Birth and Ship-operators' Association, said the importance of the port would increase after completing the development project.
Babul Howlader, member secretary of Khulna Civic Society - a citizen forum, said, "The government should keep an eye on China, so that the country does not work only for its interests. The people of the region should be involved in the work."
Established in 1950 on the eastern bank of the Pashur River near the Sundarbans, Mongla Port currently has five jetties and 22 anchorage points with the capacity to accommodate 47 vessels simultaneously.
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