United News of Bangladesh

Once hailed as a gateway to economic transformation, the long-awaited Khulna–Mongla railway now stands as a symbol of unfulfilled promise. The 91-kilometre line, built to connect the country’s second seaport with the national rail network, was seen as a game changer for trade and industry. Yet, one and a half years on, the dream remains unfulfilled. Constructed at a cost of Tk 4,261 crore, the project was designed to provide a faster and more cost-effective route for transporting import and export goods through Mongla Port. Despite the impressive infrastructure, the line has so far failed to deliver on its economic promise. At present, the railway is being used only for passenger services, while freight operations remain almost idle. According to railway sources, goods have been transported just three times since the line was inaugurated in 2023 — on 6 February, 23 March, and 25 June of 2025 — carrying a total of around 19,000 metric tonnes from Chattogram to Sirajganj. No freight movement has taken place since then. Read more: Darshana Railway Station falls silent as cross-border trade grinds to a halt Initiated in 2010 with foreign loan support, the Khulna–Mongla railway was implemented by India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and IRCON International. It features a 5.13-kilometre railway bridge over the Rupsha River — the largest in the southwest — along with nine stations, 66 small bridges, and 246 culverts. On paper, it has all the elements of a transformative project. In reality, both locals and experts say it has fallen short of expectations. Local residents said regular freight train services could have generated jobs, spurred industrial growth, and strengthened the regional economy. Instead, they now see a costly piece of infrastructure sitting largely underused. Business owners echo similar frustrations, pointing to a lack of coordination between Mongla Port and the railway as a key reason behind the stagnation. “The infrastructure exists, but there is no effective coordination, so the potential remains untapped,” said Md Sajjadul Islam, Proprietor of Zain International. Several importers have blamed operational limitations at Mongla Port, including limited capacity for large vessels, outdated cranes, inadequate storage and container facilities, and slow unloading operations, for discouraging freight movement by rail. Read more: Bangladesh Railway sets sights on new locomotives to revamp services: Sheikh Moinuddin Despite these challenges, railway officials insist they are fully prepared to handle freight transport. “We have made all necessary preparations including rakes and engines. But due to the limited volume of goods at Mongla Port, we cannot yet run regular services,” said Farid Ahmed, Manager of Railway Western Zone. He said the railway authorities are holding meetings with industrialists, exporters, and importers to promote the benefits of rail-based transport and attract more freight users. Meanwhile, Mongla Port Authority Director (Traffic) Md Kamal Hossain said that efforts are underway to modernise port facilities and expand terminals. “We are considering various incentives to encourage importers and boost port activities,” he said. Experts say the project’s struggles reflect a broader issue, a lack of strategic coordination among key stakeholders. Economist Anwarul Qadir believes that the Khulna–Mongla railway had the potential to transform the Southwest’s economy if freight operations had started as planned. “This was a loan-funded project, and the interest burden is growing,” Prof Qadir warned. “To make it viable, the government must adopt a coordinated plan linking the port, railway, and commercial stakeholders. If regular freight movement begins, it could revitalise the entire southern economy,” Qadir added. Read more: Mongla Port exceeds net profit target by Tk 41.64 crore in FY25

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday said the government has taken comprehensive plans for the development of Mongla Port as China has shown interest in setting up industries in the area. “China has expressed interest in setting up industries at Mongla Port…the current interim government is working for the development of Khulna and the entire region,” he said while exchanging views with journalists at the Khulna Deputy Commissioner’s office. Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahmed were also present. Govt to take legal action against false reporting: Deputy Press Secretary Speaking about the upcoming national election, the press secretary said it will be the most free, fair, peaceful, neutral and participatory election in Bangladesh’s history. “People will be able to cast their votes according to their own choice,” he added. Regarding closed jute mills in Khulna, Shafiqul Alam said, "The government will nationalise those closed jute mills where schools are situated." He expressed the hope that Khulna will turn around and see significant progress within the next decade.

The government has awarded a contract to a Chinese firm to expand the facilities of Mongla port. Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase at a meeting, with Finance Advisor Dr Salehuddin Ahmed in the chair, approved a number of purchase proposals including awarding the contract to the Chinese firm and also importing one LNG cargo and awarding three separate contracts for power distribution network expansion in Khulna division. The committee awarded the contract to Beijing-based China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for expanding the facilities of the Mongla Port and improving its service at a cost of Tk 4046.48 crore. The Ministry of Shipping had moved the proposal to award the contract to the Chinese firm through direct purchase method (DMP). Bangladesh, Kuwait pledge stronger ties in trade, energy and investment As per a proposal of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division, the state-owned Petrobangla will import the LNG cargo from US-based Excelerate Energy LP at a total cost Tk 664.40 with per MMBtu at $14.30. Three separate proposals of Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board (REB) under the Power Division received the nod of the committee. Under a project, the REB will procure a total of 72,897 SPC poles for Khulna Division through three separate tender proposals to modernise the electricity distribution network and capacity building.

For the first time since independence, a cargo vessel from Pakistan carrying rice is set to reach Monga seaport this week. The Pakistan fagged-carrier vessel-loaded with 25 metric tonnes (MT) of rice left Karachi Qasim port a few days back and is expected to anchor at Chittagong port within two or three days. Two ships carrying rice from India and Myanmar reach Ctg port After unloading 60 percent of rice there, the vessel with the remaining quantity of rice will move towards Mongla, said sources. A Government to Government (G2G) deal between Bangladesh and Pakistan was inked at the beginning of the last month to import 50 MT of Basmati rice through Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). As per the deal, first consignment of the rice is on its way to Bangladesh and the second consignment is expected to come at the end of the current month. Ships carrying rice from Myanmar and India reach Ctg, Mongla port Indrajit Sarker, deputy controller at Khulna office of controller of movement and preservation, said 40 percent of the 25 MT of rice will be unloaded at the Mongla port. Khulna District Assistant Food Controller (additional charge) Tayebur Rahman said there are 47,000 MT of rice in the central food warehouse of Boyra and Maheshwarpasha. The capacity of the two warehouses is one lakh metric tonnes, he said.

The Mongla Port, Bangladesh's second-largest seaport located in Bagerhat district, is undergoing significant expansion to boost its cargo handling capacity. This expansion aims to significantly enhance the port's cargo handling capacity, especially following improved connectivity due to the Padma Multipurpose Bridge, which directly links the capital city, Dhaka. The construction of six additional jetties is central to this expansion. Notably, Jetties No. 3 and 4 have reached 62% completion, with an investment of Tk 800 crore. Proposals for Jetties No. 1 and 2 are pending approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec), while plans for Jetties No. 11 and 12 are underway. Commodore Shafiqul Islam Sarker, Director of the Jetty Construction Project and Member (Harbor and Marine), said that once operational, these jetties will transform the port into a major economic hub for the country. To facilitate the movement of foreign vessels, 69 navigation buoys have been installed along the port channel. Currently, the port can accommodate 47 ships simultaneously across its jetties, mooring buoys, and anchorages. The port is equipped with transit sheds, warehouses, container yards, 161 refrigerated plug points for cold storage, car parking yards and 136 modern equipment of handling, including 32 auxiliary tugboats. 496 foreign commercial ships docked at Mongla Port in 7 months The inauguration of the Padma Bridge has significantly increased activities at the port, as it is now a key transportation route for products from Bangladesh's southwestern region, as well as from neighboring Nepal, Bhutan, and India's border areas. This surge in activity has necessitated the port's expansion to manage the growing demand. Local businessmen, such as Sheikh Faridul Islam and Mashiur Rahman, hope that the new jetties will enhance ship movement and cargo handling, thereby reducing congestion during loading and unloading. This development is expected to economically benefit the port and streamline import and export processes for businesses. The port authorities recognise the need for comprehensive modernization, including workforce enhancements, to alleviate pressure on the Chittagong port. Commodore Shafiqul Islam Sarker noted that the construction of Jetties No. 3 and 4 is projected to be completed within the next year and a half. Since its inception, the port has constructed five jetties for cargo handling. The addition of six new jetties will not only increase capacity but also reduce transportation costs in the southwestern region, bolstering the port's international competitiveness. Port Chairman Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman highlighted that the port is currently managing four active projects. Upon completion of dredging in the inner bar of the Pashur Channel, the port's jetties will be capable of handling ships with drafts up to 10 meters. The 'Mongla Port Upgradation Project' aims to further enhance the port's capacity, enabling it to handle 1.5 million tonnes of cargo and 400,000 TEUs of containers annually. The completion of the two ongoing jetties is expected to increase the port's container handling capacity by an additional 200,000 TEUs per year. Ship carrying molasses from Pakistan arrives at Mongla Port In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the port experienced a 2.30% increase in commercial ship arrivals, a 9.72% rise in cargo transportation, a 16.78% uptick in container transportation, and a 13% increase in car imports compared to the previous fiscal year.

A vessel carrying 50,200 metric tonnes of wheat imported from Argentina has arrived at Chittagong Port. The ship, MV ELIPIDA GR, docked on Wednesday, according to a media release of Food Ministry. Of the total shipment, 30,120 metric tonnes will be unloaded at Chittagong Port, while the remaining will be offloaded at Mongla Port. 52,500 mt wheat imported from Ukraine reaches Chattogram Earlier, on December 12, 2024, a separate shipment of 52,500 metric tonnes of wheat from Ukraine reached Chittagong Port.  

The interim government has decided to expand and modernise Mongla Port, aiming to enhance its container handling capacity and establish it as a regional hub. The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved a Tk 4,068.23 crore project on Sunday for the port’s expansion and modernisation. The Mongla Port Authority, under the Ministry of Shipping, will implement the project by December 2028. Of the total cost, Tk 475.33 crore will come from the government, while the remaining Tk 3,592.90 crore will be financed through a loan from China. Ecnec okays 10 projects; Moulvibazar safari park project scrapped Briefing reporters after the meeting, Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud emphasised the port’s geopolitical significance and said the government is committed to developing Mongla Port into a regional hub by strengthening its container handling infrastructure. He said that this project has been undertaken after thorough review while China would finance most of the project funding. In response to a question, he said international trade could be expanded further with Bhutan, Nepal and China with the expansion of container handling capacity through implementation of this project. The approval came from the 7th meeting of the Ecnec in this fiscal year and the 6th of the interim government held at the NEC Conference Room with Ecnec Chairperson and Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus in the chair. Ecnec approves five projects worth Tk 5,915.99 crore Planning Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud said that the day’s meeting approved a total of 13 projects involving an overall estimated cost of Tk 12,532.28 crore. “Of the total project cost, Tk 4,097.23 crore will come from the government of Bangladesh portion, Tk 7,328.95 crore as loan while the rest of Tk 1,106.10 crore from the concerned organization’s own fund,” he added. Of the approved 13 projects, nine are new while four are revised projects. Replying to a question, Dr Mahmud said that they would review the development budget next week in a bid to finalise the Revised Annual Development Programme (RADP).  He said since Bangladesh is graduating from the LDCs, soft-term loans would not be available from the multilateral development partners in the future while there would also be a burden on the state coffee for repaying the principal amount and interests of the foreign loans. He indicated that the government’s loan burden for implementing the mega projects would also increase in the coming days. Burn unit at CMCH, medical university in Khulna get Ecnec nod To address the situation, the Planning Adviser recommended increasing overall revenue collection, emphasising that failure to do so would hinder the efficient management of the country's economy. In this regard, he said, the government is focusing more on Human Resources development. Replying to another question, the Planning Adviser said that taking foreign loans is not bad. “But the most important thing is whether it is invested in the right areas ….like investing in infrastructures which would motivate the private sector to woo more investment and establish export-oriented industries.” The Planning Adviser also informed that the government is putting due emphasis on strengthening further the capacity of BAPEX and the Petrobangla. ECNEC approves Tk 11,560cr rail-road bridge over Karnaphuli to boost Ctg-Cox’s Bazar connectivity The other projects approved in the meeting are: Uttar Kattali Catchment Sanitation in Chattogram Metropolis with Tk 2,797.22 crore, Improved seed production and development of rice, wheat and corn, 3rd phase with Tk 474.68 crore, Modernization and development (2nd phase) of seed production, processing and distribution management of BADC with Tk 292.86 crore, Food Safety Testing Capacity Development with Tk 2,409.70 crore, Digging some four evaluation-cum-development wells of Titas and Kamta Fields with Tk 1,255 crore, conducting 3-D Seismic Survey at Habiganj, Bakhrabad and Meghna Fields with Tk 454.25 crore, Digging Sylhet-12 number well (oil well) with Tk 255.25 crore, Ghorashal 4th unit re-powering, 3rd revised, with an additional cost of Tk 96.08 crore, Development of power distribution system of Chattogram Zone, 2nd phase, 2nd revised with an additional cost of Tk 164.15 crore, Strengthened Service Delivery systems for Improved Migration Management and Sustainable Reintegration with Tk 60.10 crore, Establishment and infrastructural development of government primary schools at Dhaka metropolis and Purbachal, 1at revised, with an additional cost of Tk 213.62 crore, and Establishment of digital labs at educational institutions, 2nd phase, 2nd revised with a reduced cost of Tk 8.86 crore.

A project titled "Pashur Channel Maintenance Dredging" has begun at Mongla port to maintain navigability of  the channel. Approved during an ECNEC meeting last week, this project is estimated to cost Tk 1,538.19 crore. The project taken by the Mongla Port Authority follows the completion of dredging at the Outer Bar of the Pashur Channel, with ongoing work at the Inner Bar. Khulna farmers reap rewards from mustard cultivation, honey production Upon completion, ships with drafts of 9.5 to 10 meters will be able to dock directly at Mongla Port’s jetties. The initiative aims to sustain the port's channel depth and ensure its smooth operation, officials said. Overcoming Past Challenges Mongla Port faced severe navigability issues between 2002 and 2007 due to a lack of dredging in the Outer and Inner Bar channels. The port became nearly inoperative due to the constraints, with a sharp decline in ship arrivals. After completing a Tk 712 crore Outer Bar dredging project in 2020, the port now accommodates ships with 9-meter drafts. Naogaon farmers make a fortune on mustard and honey Later the port authority started dredging the Inner Bar, spanning 23 kilometers from Joymonirgol to the port jetties. Despite initial projections to complete the Tk 793.72 crore project by June 2022, delays increased costs to Tk 992 crore. New Maintenance Dredging Project The newly approved maintenance dredging project for Pashur Channel will be implemented from January 2025 to December 2029. Of the total project cost, Tk 1,384.37 crore will come from the government, with the remaining Tk 153.82 crore funded by Mongla Port Authority. Besides, the "Procurement of Supporting Vessels for Mongla Port (1st Revised)" project will now cost Tk 936.56 crore, up from Tk 767.25 crore, and is set to be completed by June 2025. Boosting Port Capacity Rear Admiral Shahin Rahman, Chairman of Mongla Port Authority, said there is no alternative of regular dredging to sustain the country’s second-largest seaport. HMPV in India: Lack of precautionary measures at Hili land port "The port has proven its growing significance by facilitating key national projects like Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, Rampal Power Plant, and Metro Rail," he said. With ongoing and planned projects, Mongla Port aims to overcome navigability challenges, enhance its operational efficiency, and further contribute to the economic growth of Bangladesh’s southwestern region. "We are implementing a comprehensive master plan to transform Mongla Port into a modern and dynamic facility capable of handling future demands," he said.

Mongla Port has earned Tk 210 crore in revenue during the first six months of the fiscal year 2024-2025, handling significant imports and exports. During this period, 413 commercial vessels arrived at the port, while 5,637 vehicles were imported through 10 car-carrying ships. In the meantime, the port managed a total of 52,84,471 tonnes of goods in imports and exports, according to a press release from the port authorities. In addition, the influx of foreign commercial vessels at Mongla Port surged as 2025 began. A total of 28 commercial ships have docked at the port in the first 10 days of January. On Friday, two container ships carrying cargo for the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant were anchored at Mongla Port. As of now, 18 ships are stationed across various points of the port, said the release. Deputy Director of Mongla Port Authority Md Makruzzaman said that the arrival of foreign commercial ships at Mongla Port has increased as 2025 began. Mongla Port set for major overhaul, enhanced connectivity: Adviser Sakhawat “Currently, there are 18 commercial ships at different locations in the port's Pashur Channel. These ships carry various products including coal, fertiliser, clinker, LPG, container transport and stone,” he mentioned. The release further highlighted a positive growth trajectory for Mongla Port, noting a 2.30 percent increase in the arrival of foreign commercial ships, a 9.72 percent rise in cargo volume, a 16.78 percent increase in container traffic and a 13 percent growth in vehicle imports during the fiscal year 2023-2024 compared to the previous year.

Omera Petroleum Limited has been honored as the largest LPG importer for the second consecutive year during the 74th Foundation Day of Mongla Port Authority. Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman, Chairman of Mongla Port Authority, presented the award to Omera’s CEO, Tanzeem Chowdhury. In the fiscal year 2023-24, Omera Petroleum Limited made a significant contribution to ensuring energy security in Bangladesh by importing large volumes of LPG through Mongla Port. Expressing his gratitude, Tanzeem Chowdhury said, “This achievement is only possible because of the trust and support of our customers, stakeholders, and regulators. We are deeply thankful to everyone who has been part of our journey.” Omera Petroleum Limited remains committed to providing safe and uninterrupted LPG supply to homes and industries across Bangladesh. This recognition highlights the company’s dedication to excellence and its pivotal role in driving progress in the energy sector.