Arrivals of foreign ships and containers have tripled in Mongla port in a period of five years, thanks to massive development and modernization initiatives to upgrade the second largest sea port in Bangladesh.
The number of foreign ships stood at 784 in 2017-18 fiscal year, which was only 282 in 2012-13 fiscal. The number of containers was 43,000 in 2017-18, whereas it was 20,717 in 2015-16, according to data of Mongla port .
With the growing interests from the port users, the port authority has garnered enhanced revenue from its services.
In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016-17, the revenue earning has seen an upward trend by 15%, which turned to 50% in FY17-18. Arrivals of foreign ships and cargo handling have also increased simultaneously.
According to port users, without problems, such as poor navigability in the jetties, lack of adequate instruments to handle containers and difficulties in the customs, export-import business in the Mongla port would have boosted further, improving the financial standards of the locals as well.
Mongla port Chairman Commodore AKM Faruque Hasan said: “Among the 10 approved development projects intended for the port, seven are currently under progress.
“Once these projects- financed by India and China- are completed, the port will be better mobilized,” he added. “The government is constantly monitoring port development.”
Port users are increasingly attracted to Mongla port due to its enhanced efficiency, and better services, the chairman said.
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