MONGLA, Aug 17 (V7N) — Shipping, Roads and Highways, Bridges and Railways Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has said the government plans to implement the 10th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge over the Mongla River as soon as possible.

He also announced plans to establish an LNG station at Akram Point near Mongla Port, with a 23-kilometre pipeline to transport gas to Mongla for power generation.

The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a reception organised by Mongla Municipal BNP at the permanent port bus terminal on Sunday afternoon to mark his visit to the port town.

Sheikh Rabiul Alam said the government was committed to fulfilling its pledges to the people and ensuring national development.

“We want to bring fundamental changes to the way the state is managed, remain accountable to the people and fulfil their aspirations. This is the politics of the BNP,” he said.

The minister said the 10th Bangladesh-China Friendship Bridge over the Mongla River was planned for implementation within a short period.

He also said work on the Mongla Special Economic Zone would begin in October and create employment opportunities for around 60,000 people.

Regarding Mongla Port, he said an LNG station would be established at Akram Point, about 23 kilometres from Mongla, and a pipeline would be constructed to transport the gas to the port area.

“A power generation plant will then be established in Mongla using that gas,” he said.

The minister said the government had taken initiatives to expand Mongla Port and make it more competitive with Chattogram Port.

“We want Mongla Port to surpass Chattogram Port. The government has taken initiatives to achieve this,” he said.

He added that plans were underway to construct new jetties at Mongla Port, establish cold storage facilities and develop Mongla into an industrial hub.

The reception was organised by Mongla Municipal BNP President and former mayor Md Zulfikar Ali to welcome the minister during his visit to Mongla.

Former Bagerhat District BNP President and coordinator M.A. Salam, Mongla Municipal BNP General Secretary Mahbubur Rahman Manik, Mongla Upazila BNP President Abdul Mannan Hawladar, Rampal Upazila BNP President Hafizur Rahman Tuhin, Mollahat Upazila BNP President Sheikh Hafizur Rahman and Fakirhat Upazila BNP General Secretary Shariful Kamal Karim were among those present.

END/AHS/SMA/