Mongla Port rises as a regional transit hub with boosted operational capacity

Mongla Port, the second-largest seaport in Bangladesh, is fast emerging as a key regional transit corridor as new transport links by road, river and rail strengthen its connectivity with the Rajshahi, Rangpur and Barishal divisions, as well as neighbouring countries.

A newly completed Port Reception Facility (PRF), awaiting inauguration, is expected to enhance the port’s ability to manage and clear oil spills from vessels, significantly reinforcing environmental protection measures across surrounding marine and river ecosystems, according to officials.

As the main economic gateway of the south-western region, Mongla Port continues to play an essential role in importing vital commodities including food grains, cement clinker, fertilizer, machinery, vehicles, wheat, coal, fuel oil, stone, maize, oilseeds and LPG. It also supports exports such as frozen fish, shrimp, crab, jute products, clay, tiles, silk fabrics and general cargo.

To transform Mongla into a modern and efficient global-standard port, extensive upgrades are underway. These include expanding cargo and container storage facilities, procuring advanced equipment, improving channel navigability and strengthening safety and security systems.

Speaking to BSS, Md Makruzzaman, Senior Deputy Director (Public Relations) of the Mongla Port Authority (MPA), said the port surpassed all major operational and financial targets during the 2024–25 fiscal year.

Against the annual target of 8.88 million metric tonnes of cargo handling, Mongla managed 10.412 million tonnes — an increase of 1.532 million tonnes or 17.25 percent. For container handling, the target was 20,000 TEUs, while the port handled 21,456 TEUs, exceeding the goal by 1,456 TEUs or 7.28 percent.

Revenue collection also surpassed expectations, reaching Tk 343.30 crore against a target of Tk 333.87 crore, marking a rise of Tk 9.46 crore or 2.83 percent. Net profit jumped significantly to Tk 62.10 crore compared to the projection of Tk 20.46 crore — a dramatic increase of 203.49 percent.

Port officials credited the improvements to the addition of modern equipment capable of handling more than 24 containers per hour and regular dredging that improved navigability, allowing five vessels to be handled simultaneously across five jetties.

In the first five months of the current fiscal year, the port received 356 ships, handled 13,854 TEUs, processed 4,139 imported vehicles and managed 4.4 million tonnes of import-export cargo.

Makruzzaman said Mongla Port has strong potential to handle transit cargo for neighbouring countries and will facilitate smoother goods movement across Rajshahi, Rangpur and Barishal through an integrated land, water and rail network.

He added that upon completion of the ongoing expansion, the port’s capacity is expected to reach 150 million tonnes of cargo and 35–40 lakh TEUs annually, creating new employment for shipping agents, C&F agents, stevedores and other related workers. Increasing container handling capacity by another 4 lakh TEUs with updated facilities will strengthen this growth even further.

Mongla Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral M Shaheen Rahman said that once the performance-based conservation dredging project at the Pashur Channel is executed, the port will be able to handle more than 100 additional vessels annually with a 9.5–10 metre draft up to the jetty, and around 130 more ships from the jetty to the Rampal Power Plant.

He noted that several major development projects are already underway to modernise Mongla Port to international standards, with more initiatives planned for the future.

The Mongla Port Authority marked its platinum jubilee and 75th founding anniversary on Monday with vibrant celebrations and enthusiastic participation.