Payra to be turned into deep-sea port

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the Payra seaport will be transformed into a deep-sea port in the future in the vein of the Matarbari and Moheshkhali ports, report agencies.
"I'm really happy that the construction [of the port] is fully funded by Bangladesh. We're using our reserve fund for this," said Hasina.
Sheikh Hasina said this while inaugurating some development projects, including capital dredging, at Payra Port, aiming to equip it with better facilities for smooth operations.
The other inaugurated projects included eight ships and vessels, the first terminal, construction of a six-lane approach road and a bridge at Payra Port.
She said the Payra Port has special importance as it is situated in between Mongla and Chattogram ports. This port has so far earned revenues worth over Tk 6.00 billion since operations started.
Sheikh Hasina said she had to face opposition from many when she wanted to establish the Payra Port. The claim was that it would not be viable.
She highlighted the need for regular dredging work every year and flagged the need for the Payra port to have its own dredger.
"We provided a dredger to each and every port. The Mongla port didn't have a dredger before. It's important to have a dredger to ensure regular maintenance."
After the dredging work in the river is complete, a water route stretching all the way to northern Bangladesh can be established, said Hasina.
"Besides, a waterway can be formed to reach Assam and Bhutan. We have already allowed Bhutan, Nepal and India to use the Chattogram and Mongla ports."
Hasina added. "A survey is already underway for the construction of a rail link at the port. We plan to set up a railway from Dhaka to Payra port in future."
Known as a land of rivers, establishing waterways throughout the country is crucial to bolstering connectivity, according to Hasina.
The government is working to ensure waterway connectivity between the port and the rest of the country, alongside the road, rail and air links.
Payra port also serves as a military base, Hasina said, adding that a base for the air force will be set up soon. The development of the port will also be a boon for the people of southern Bangladesh, according to her.
"When we expand the connectivity of the port, it will be linked to an international trade corridor and other countries like India, Bhutan and Nepal can use it. Bangladesh will earn more in foreign exchange. Besides, the region will have more industrial factories and see an expansion in the tourism sector, creating more employment."
"Many may wonder where the forex reserve money went. Money from forex reserve went to Payra Port, procuring food for the people, fertiliser, meeting the daily needs of people... No one can chew up that money. That is (forex reserve) for the people. We are using that for import and other necessary purposes," Sheikh Hasina said.
The PM said that for the first time, money from Bangladesh Infrastructure Development Fund is being used. It is being used for capital dredging of Payra Port.
"We have provided loan, with minimum interest rate, to the port. With one per cent service charge, they will have to give only two per cent interest rate," she said.
The Prime Minister also stressed that the country's money will remain in Bangladesh.
She said that Bangladesh's forex reserve can be used for infrastructure development. In this connection, she mentioned the hassles Bangladesh has to deal with when taking foreign funds.
"Considering that, we have created a fund - Bangladesh Infrastructure Development Fund. We have created this fund using our forex reserve money. Using that fund, we are starting the dredging of Payra Port," she said.
Bangladesh's forex reserves stood at USD 35.98 billion as of October 19, 2022, according to data from Bangladesh Bank. Forex reserves were USD 46.19 billion a year ago (October 19, 2021).
Sheikh Hasina urged the global community to end the Russia-Ukraine war, withdraw sanctions and allow people, who have nothing to do with the war, to have a shot at a better life.
"I urge people of the world, this war must be stopped, sanctions have to be withdrawn, people need to have a scope to live their lives," she said.
The PM said that the entire world is facing acute energy and electricity crisis due to the Russia-Ukraine war.
"We are facing the impact too. Prices of everything shot up suddenly due to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war and sanctions," she said.
The masses are bearing the brunt, Hasina observed.
"They are in pain. I don't know who is making profit... may be those who produce and trade arms, but general people, not only in Bangladesh but also around the world, are suffering a lot," she said.