Sonadia site for deep-sea port 'poses security risk'
Monday, 7 September 2009
KHULNA, Sep 5 (bdnews24.com): Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan said the planned construction of a long-proposed deep-sea port at Sonadia in Kutubdia, Chittagong, could pose a "security risk" being close to the Myanmar border.
He suggested Akram Point near Mongla would be a more suitable location.
"Security risk may loom large if a deep-sea port is constructed at Sonadia, very close to Myanmar border," the minister said at an open discussion at a city hotel Saturday.
"From the view point of security, it would be more reasonable to install the deep-sea port at Akram Point, and the construction of the Padma Bridge would enhance the importance of Mongla Port," Khan said.
He said the government was already moving to dredge the Pashur River in Mongla to restore greater navigability.
"Long-term plans have been chalked out to develop and modernise Mongla port, which could rise to be the greatest sea port in Bangladesh," said Khan.
He suggested Akram Point near Mongla would be a more suitable location.
"Security risk may loom large if a deep-sea port is constructed at Sonadia, very close to Myanmar border," the minister said at an open discussion at a city hotel Saturday.
"From the view point of security, it would be more reasonable to install the deep-sea port at Akram Point, and the construction of the Padma Bridge would enhance the importance of Mongla Port," Khan said.
He said the government was already moving to dredge the Pashur River in Mongla to restore greater navigability.
"Long-term plans have been chalked out to develop and modernise Mongla port, which could rise to be the greatest sea port in Bangladesh," said Khan.