Mongla Port, country’s second largest gateway in overseas trade, saw a huge rise in export and import in the last three-and-a-half month in the current fiscal year (FY23) after the inauguration of Padma Bridge.
Import of fertilizer, wheat, raw materials of cement industry, coal and car has increased during the period. Export of fish, shrimp, crabs, garments, jute goods, fruits, vegetables, ceramics, electrical wire, mud-tally, betel-nut and other products witnessed a sire significantly, an MPA official told BSS today.
Besides, huge machineries, equipments, raw materials of some mega projects, including Rooppur nuclear power plant, Rampal power plant, metro rail, Bangabandhu and Khanjahan Ali Railway Bridge have been unloaded in Mongla port in the last four months.
According to Mongla Customs House, a total of 40.48 lakh tons of commodity items were exported and imported from July 1 to October 16 in FY23.
Among the imported items, raw materials for cement industry, LPG, coal, fertilizer, wheat and raw materials for government’s different mega projects were on the top of the list.
Talking to BSS, Chairman of Mongla Port Authority (MPA) Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa said that arrival of ships carrying import products has been increased especially after inauguration of the Padma Bridge. The government has also taken initiatives to enhance capability of Mongla port, he added.
Sayed Zahid Hossain, President of Shipping Agents Association, said steps need to be taken to increase the navigability in front of the Port Jetty so that more ships can sail through the port.
