Mongla: The Mongla Port Authority (MPA) has set an ambitious target of generating Taka 600 crore in revenue and handling over 12 million tonnes of cargo in the 2025-26 fiscal year. During this period, approximately 900 foreign commercial ships are anticipated to dock at the port jetties.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, MPA Deputy Director (Media) Md Makruzzaman reported that the port achieved a record-breaking revenue of Taka 343.33 crore by handling 10.4 million tonnes of cargo in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The port earned a profit of Taka 62.1 crore, which exceeded the target by 203.49 percent over the anticipated Taka 20.5 crore.
The port is undergoing significant transformation to establish itself as a key maritime hub for southwestern Bangladesh, bolstered by strong import-export performance and expansion initiatives. Supported by the interim government’s vision, efforts are underway to attract foreign investment and upgrade infrastructure.
In the first 48 days of the current fiscal year, up to August 17, Mongla has already seen 103 commercial ships dock, handling approximately 10 lakh tonnes of cargo. Among these, eight vessels managed 5,332 TEUs of container cargo. In July alone, the port processed 4,459 TEUs, facilitated the import of 518 reconditioned vehicles, and handled 6.5 lakh tonnes of cargo.
Ongoing upgrades, including dredging of the approach channel, expansion of container terminals, and digitalization of customs and port operations, are expected to maintain this progress. These improvements are also enhancing Mongla’s role as a transit point for cargo destined for India’s northeastern states and Bhutan under bilateral transit agreements.
Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman, Chairman of the MPA, mentioned to BSS that fully realizing the port’s potential could enable it to handle 1,500 foreign ships annually, manage 1,00,000 TEUs of container cargo, process 20 million tonnes of general cargo, and clear 20,000 reconditioned vehicles each year. “Achieving these targets would not only boost national trade capacity but also create thousands of jobs in the Khulna-Bagerhat region,” he said, emphasizing the focus on modernizing infrastructure and improving efficiency.
With its strategic location and expanding capacity, Mongla Port is emerging as a vital alternative to Chattogram, alleviating congestion at the country’s main seaport and contributing to balanced regional development. The MPA has been conducting regular meetings with port users, including shipping agents, customs and freight agents, stevedores, and other stakeholders, to ensure smooth operations and address challenges.
To further boost vessel arrivals and expand trade activities, an Internal Business Development Standing Committee has been established, which has already shown positive results.