Mongla port needs infrastructural development

It is good news that Mongla port, the second largest sea port of the country, has turned around after suffering from negligence for a long time.

Chattogram port is our premier sea port and 90 per cent of our exports and imports go through this port. However, Chattogram port takes alot of time to release goods and it is losing its capacity as the port is now overloaded with the pressure of so many consignments. One sea port is not enough for a country of 170 million people. And so, many export-import firms are turning towards Mongla port.

Nepal's is interested in using Mongla port. Nepalese ambassador to Bangladesh Dhan Bahadur Oli visited the port on Wednesday and said that Nepal will soon start transporting commercial goods through this sea port. He also praised the steps taken by the Bangladesh government to increase the port's capacity. He also said, Nepal inked a deal regarding this with India.

Bhutan's prime minister, Lotay Tshering, on his visit to Bangladesh last April showed interest of using Mongla port. Moreover, Bangladesh allowed Bhutan to use Tamabil, Banglabandha and Nakugaon land ports. A Nepalese company transported a consignment of fertiliser last year on a trial basis. Local importer Desh Trading Corporation of Khulna imported 25,350 tonnes fertiliser from China through Mongla port.

For its geographical position, Mongla port can be an important link for transport of goods for Bangladesh as well as Nepal, Bhutan and India.

Nepal and Bhutan have been using Indian sea ports till now. But, this costs them more in transport production. India blocked its border crossings in 2016 for Nepal over Madhes Movement. Bhutanese parliament is yet to approve the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) motor vehicle agreement showing concerns for environment. We want a safe environment in Bhutan but development in transportation cannot be ignored.

In allowing Bhutan and Nepal to use Mongla port, we have to be careful about a few issues. We need to take steps which can benefit us and them economically. Ports and road transport have to be developed in such a way so that goods can be transported relatively in short time. If Mongla port is developed, India can be benefitted in transporting some goods. For this, India's effective supports would be needed. In 1998, Banglabandha Land Port was inaugurated but it is yet to be started due to India's restraints. If India can avail transit or transhipment facilities to transport goods to northeast India why can't Nepal and Bhutan have similar facilities?

The number of container-carrying vessels ships increased in Mongla port around two and a half times more just within one year. If Nepal, Bhutan and India use this port, it will be busier. For this, the port's infrastructure and transportation will have to be developed.