Prime Minister Tarique Rahman laid the foundation stone on Thursday for the Tk.4,068 crore Mongla Port Expansion and Modernisation Project also expressing confidence that it will transform the southwestern and northwestern regions into vibrant economic hubs.
Speaking as the chief guest at the foundation-laying ceremony in Mongla, the Prime Minister highlighted the initiative as a major step toward Bangladesh’s goal of achieving a trillion-dollar economy by 2030. He emphasized that modernizing the port will expand trade, investment and industrialization across Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and Jashore.
The project supported by the Chinese government, includes constructing two new container jetties, modern yards and advanced cargo-handling facilities. Once completed, container trains will connect Kamalapur Inland Container Depot in Dhaka directly to Mongla Port also reducing transport costs and logistics time.
During the visit an MoU was also signed between Invest Bangladesh and China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) to expand bilateral cooperation across transport, energy and industrial development. Prime Minister Tarique noted that the government is actively working to revive the region's industrial heritage by ensuring steady gas supplies and developing the nearby Khan Jahan Ali Airport.
Stressing sustainable growth the Prime Minister called for strict adherence to international environmental standards, climate-resilient infrastructure and robust fire safety protocols. He urged international partners, development organizations and non-resident Bangladeshis to invest in the region with reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing a secure, investment-friendly policy framework.
