TBT Desk:
Mongla Port, the second largest sea port in the country, witnessed the anchoring of a record 556 overseas commercial ships in the last seven and a half months boosting its revenue earnings.
In January, 2025, the port saw docking of 83 foreign ships, up from 76 in January, 2024, with increased exports of jute, shrimp and frozen foods, port sources said.
They also said at least 60 commercial ships docked at the port till February 15.
A total of 71, 52,688 tonnes of goods were transported from July 2024 to February 15, 2025.
In January last, a total of 13, 26,912 tonnes of goods were imported and exported through the port, while 5, 41,305 tonnes till February 15. Several measures have been taken to draw ship arrival at Mongla Port during the interim government.
Apart from this, 16 foreign ships carrying fertiliser, clinker, LPG, coal and stone remained anchored at permanent anchorage of the port jetties and Boya of Harbaria, Base Creek, Sundori Kota and Mooring Boya point at present, said Muhammad Makruzzaman, deputy director (Public Relations) of the Mongla Port Authority (MPA).
He said a total of 75,000 tonnes coal laden 225 meter length Bangladeshi flag bearer ship "Akij Glory" docked at the Mongla sea port jetty on Monday.
Mongla Port is a key driver of economic development in the southwestern region of Bangladesh, he said, adding that it created hundreds of thousands of jobs for the people. He also said the port plays a vital role in fulfilling the country's demand by importing a variety of goods, including food grains, raw materials for cement production, clinker, fertilisers, automobiles, machinery, rice, wheat, coal, oil, stone, corn, oilseeds and LPG gas.
White fish, shrimp, jute and jute products, frozen food, crabs, clay tiles, silk cloth and general cargo are also exported through the port. Makruzzaman said construction of seven development projects at the port is progressing fast, aimed at enhancing its capacity.
MPA Chairman Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman said the Mongla Port is being transformed into an international port.
He said the port sees increased ship arrivals with a rising number of imported and exported goods.
The import of reconditioned cars through Mongla port has increased to a greater extent as importers are getting interested in bringing automobiles to the country through the port.
On successful implementation of the ongoing projects, the port will be turned into an eco-friendly and business-friendly port in the global arena, the MPA chairman said.