Government to build a new economic hub in the south centred on Mongla Port: shipping minister

The government has taken an initiative to turn the southern region into a new economic hub centred on Mongla Port. All necessary steps have been taken to resolve the region's energy crisis and to advance industrialisation, infrastructure development, trade expansion and import-export growth, Shipping, Road Transport and Bridges and Railways Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has said.

He made the remarks on Friday (November 6) at 11:30am while speaking as chief guest at the inauguration and oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected executive committee of the Mongla Port Authority Employees' Union (CBA) at the Mongla Port jetty.

The minister said the prime minister had visited Mongla Port twice within the last 15 days. The prime minister believes the vast development and potential of the south-western region must be ensured, he said, adding that overall national development is not possible while leaving one region behind.

Sheikh Rabiul Alam said a new container jetty, yard and modern equipment were being installed at Mongla Port. A China EPZ is being established there and many large industrial enterprises are rising in the region. The highway from Bhanga to Mongla is being widened, and rail connectivity is also coming, he added.

He further said the economy, infrastructure, trade and import-export activities of the southern region centred on Mongla would expand greatly within the present government's term, and that the government had taken the necessary initiatives toward that goal.

Noting that the region faces an energy crisis, the minister said work was under way to resolve it. The government has already taken all steps to create facilities for industrialisation and to establish the service sector. What is now needed, he said, is for everyone to work together in unity in the greater national interest to ensure an environment of relief, peace and progress.

Addressing the newly elected labour leaders, he said workers play a key role in economic growth. Owners and workers complement each other, so both sides must maintain good relations and play a responsible role in the development of the Mongla Port Authority. He urged everyone to overlook minor issues and work together in the greater interest of the port.

Chaired by Mongla Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mostafa, the ceremony was attended by Khulna Development Authority Chairman SM Shafiqul Alam (Mona) as special guest. Bagerhat Zila Parishad Administrator Barrister Mohammad Zakir Hossain, port authority Director (Administration) Sheikh Mamunur Rahman, election conducting committee chairman and former Mongla municipality mayor Md Zulfikar Ali, senior officials, representatives of import-export businesses, and political and labour leaders were also present.

In his chair's address, Port Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mostafa said workers are the main driving force of the country's economic development. The government is always working to establish workers' fair rights and welfare, and it considers the development of Mongla Port with importance, he said.

At the ceremony, Director (Administration) Sheikh Mamunur Rahman administered the oath to the newly elected representatives. Afterwards, Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam and Port Chairman Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mostafa planted two saplings near the entrance of the jetty.