Mongla Port celebrates its 71st founding anniversary

The 71st founding anniversary of the Mongla Seaport was celebrated today with a commitment to boosting its capacity, profit and service.

To mark the day, different programmes were held maintaining social distance and health guidelines amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The programmes included hoisting of national flag during sunrise, rally, discussion and doa mahfil.

Besides, the Mongla Port buildings, main gate, jetty, ships and Mongla Port Authority (MPA) office building and main gate in Khulna were illuminated.

All home and foreign ships anchored at the jetty blew whistle for one minute at 12.01am.

On the occasion, a rally led by Chairman of the MPA Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa started from the MPA administrative building and ended at the main gate of the jetty after parading different parts of the port area.

Established in 1950, Mongla Port has gone through many struggles and setbacks, said a top official, adding:"Now it's one of the busiest seaports of the country. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina took a visionary step to revitalise the port after Awami League (AL) came to power in 2009."

While speaking at the discussion, Secretary of shipping Ministry Mohammad Mesbah Uddin Chowdhury praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her decision to turn the port into an active one as chief guest.

He said Mongla Port's capacity will be increased by four times within the next three years. About 500 acres of land of the port have been readied for the construction and extension of its jetty, yard and bonded warehouse, he added.

"The authority has implemented over 50 development programmes from June 2009 to 2021 to enhance its capacity at a cost of Taka 10,000 crore," the Secretary further said, adding that the government is working tirelessly to enhance the connectivity of the Mongla Seaport.

He, however, said government has taken initiative to regular dredging in Mongla-Ghadiakhali, Pashur, Mongla and other channels to be anchored 9.5 meter draft foreign ships at the jetty.

Terming MPA has sent a project proposal about dredging, he said, government has planned to approve it and to be implemented the project so that 10 meter draft ships can easily anchored at the port jetty.

Chairman of the MPA said, "We're implementing eight ongoing projects at a cost of Taka 2896.77 crore. Now, the port is capable to handle over 1,000 ships per year. In 2020-21 fiscal year, a total of 111.45 ton cargo was handled while 970 ships arrived. Till last month, the port saw a record arrival of 75 ships."

Describing the facilities of the port, the MPA chairman said foreign countries are interested to use this port as we are able to present modern facilities to international investors. After completion of the Padma Bridge, Mongla Port will be able to send covered vans and cargoes to the capital city directly.

President of Ship and Berth operation Association Sayed Zahid Hossain, Saif Group Chairman Tarafder Ruhul Amin also addressed, among others.

Source: BSS