The Shipping and Textiles and Jute Advisor Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain
has urged two neighbouring countries Nepal and Bhutan to use the Mongla Port of Bangladesh in their business activities.
He made this call on Wednesday (November 6) when briefing journalists at Mongla Port. He rushed there in the morning.
Sakhawat Hossain emphasized that the country’s second-largest seaport will be upgraded to international standards, significantly expanding its capacity which will attract more users to the port as well as ease the pressure on Chittagong Port.
Mongla Port holds high importance in the arena of inter-counties business activities considering its strategic geographical location. It is only 210 kilometers from the capital city. It is also well-connected by road, rail, and river routes to Dhaka and other parts of the country.
“Despite its contribution to the national economy, it remains relatively less known. Emphasis should be placed on increasing the promotion of Mongla Port.,” he said.
Advisor repeated that initiative should be taken to encourage the use of Mongla Port as an alternative to Chittagong Port adding that “When people think of a port, they only think of Chittagong. This mindset needs to change.”
The Advisor contrasts that Bangladesh has requested embassies and diplomats from various countries to promote the port.
“Additionally, we have asked all sea-bound vessels and maritime-based organizations to help publicize Mongla Port,” he mentioned.
In the morning, the advisor held a meeting with Mongla Port officials and staff in the port authority's conference room. Later, he inspected various sections of the Pashur Channel, the Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS), lightning management areas, the waste management area, and the permanent port jetty area.