Mongla Port: Mongla Port, the second largest seaport in Bangladesh, is set to become a regional hub through a China-funded development project, according to experts, port users, and stakeholders.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this transformation is anticipated following a recent agreement between Bangladesh and China to implement a major infrastructure development project, titled ‘Expansion and Development of Mongla Port Facilities.’ The project aims to enhance the operational capacity of the port and position it as a key regional maritime hub.
Officials have indicated that the port’s capacity is expected to see a significant increase upon completion of the project, which was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on February 2 of this year. A subsequent contract was signed on March 25 between the Mongla Port Authority (MPA) and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for the project’s implementation on a Government-to-Government (G2G) basis, as confirmed by Md Makruzzaman, Deputy Director of the MPA.
Mongla Port has garnered increased interest among importers and exporters lately, attributed to improved connectivity with Dhaka. To address existing limitations such as a shortage of jetties and inadequate infrastructure, the government has set a target to complete the project by December 2028. The total cost of the project is estimated at Taka 4,068.22 crore, with Taka 475.32 crore funded by the Government of Bangladesh and the remaining Taka 3,592.90 crore provided as a loan from the Chinese Government.
Chief Planning Officer of the MPA, Md Zahirul Haque, shared with BSS that the project will feature the 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, road improvements, and sheet piling works. Additionally, various container yards and a hazardous cargo handling yard will be developed.
The port will also be equipped with advanced cargo handling equipment and an automated operational system, introducing Bangladesh’s first unmanned crane system for cargo unloading. Upon implementation, the port’s annual cargo handling capacity is projected to increase to 15 million metric tonnes, with container handling capacity rising from 150,000 TEUs to 400,000 TEUs.
Economists have welcomed the initiative, viewing it as a positive step toward strengthening the regional economy. Dr Md Samiul Haque, a Professor and Researcher at Khulna University, highlighted the investment’s potential to enhance Bangladesh’s economic and strategic capabilities and foster deeper economic ties with China.
Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman, Chairman of the Mongla Port Authority, emphasized that the project aligns with the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority’s (BIDA) plans to introduce automated systems, facilitating investment and operational efficiency. He noted that the port’s viability has significantly increased, and if completed on schedule, the project’s impact will extend to developing the local economy in the south-western region.
Sayed Zahid Hossain, President of the Mongla Port Birth and Ship-operators’ Association, expressed confidence that the port’s importance will be enhanced post-development, despite past challenges. Advocate Babul Howlader, member secretary of Khulna Civic Society, urged the government to ensure that China’s involvement serves the region’s interests as well.
Established in 1950 on the eastern bank of the Pashur River near the Sundarbans, Mongla Port currently operates with five jetties and 22 anchorage points, accommodating 47 vessels simultaneously.