Dhaka: The country’s second-largest seaport, Mongla Port, handled a record 17,387 TEUs of containers by 28 container vessels during the first six months of the current fiscal year (FY 2025-26). The port also witnessed an unprecedented 440 overseas commercial vessel arrivals during the July-December period, significantly boosting its revenue earnings, port sources said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during these six months, Mongla Port processed a total of 5,244 imported cars across 15 vessels, while 6,327,870 tonnes of cargo were imported and 42,671 tonnes were exported. Md Makruzzaman, Deputy Secretary of the Mongla Port Authority (MPA), reported that from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, the port managed 10,324,611 tonnes of imported goods and 87,800 tonnes of exports. Over the same timeframe, 11,579 reconditioned vehicles were imported by 26 ships.
Makruzzaman highlighted that over 6.37 million tonnes of goods passed through the port from July 1 to December 31, 2025, while approximately 10.41 million tonnes were handled in the 2024-25 fiscal year. This surge in activity is credited to several initiatives by the port authority aimed at attracting more ships.
The port plays a crucial role in meeting national demand by facilitating the import of essential commodities, including food grains, fertilizers, cement raw materials, clinker, coal, oil, stone, automobiles, machinery, rice, wheat, corn, oilseeds, and LPG. Additionally, it supports the export of various Bangladeshi products such as shrimp, fish, jute goods, frozen food, and ready-made garments.
Mongla Port serves as a key driver of economic development in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, providing employment opportunities for thousands. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the MPA earned a record Taka 343.33 crore in revenue by handling 10.41 million tonnes of cargo, with net profits reaching Taka 62.10 crore-203.49 percent higher than the target of Taka 20.50 crore.
Port sources noted that dredging activities on river routes, including the Mongla-Ghasiakhali channel, have improved navigability, allowing larger vessels to dock directly at the port jetty and raising prospects for increased traffic. Officials acknowledged Mongla Port’s progress in container handling, cargo volume, and vessel arrivals in recent years.
Shipping Affairs Adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping Mohammad Yusuf, and other senior officials have visited the port, providing directives for its development. In alignment with government instructions, the MPA has been conducting regular meetings with stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and has established an Internal Business Development Standing Committee, yielding positive outcomes.