Mongla, Nov 07 (V7N) – The government has taken responsibility for establishing southern Bangladesh as a new economic hub centred on Mongla Port, Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam has said.
He said the government was taking steps to expand the economy, infrastructure, trade and import-export activities across the southern region during its current term, with Mongla Port serving as a key driver of development.
The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at an inauguration ceremony for newly elected representatives of the Mongla Port Authority Employees’ Association at the port jetty at around 11:30am on Friday.
He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had visited Mongla Port twice within 15 days, reflecting the government's focus on developing the country's south-western region.
According to the minister, the prime minister believes that extensive development and economic opportunities must be ensured in the south-west. He said the government had already taken steps to address the energy crisis and provide the facilities and services needed for industrialisation.
He called for collective efforts to ensure stability, peace and progress, stressing that people across the greater Khulna, Faridpur and Barishal regions needed to work together in the broader national interest.
“Differences of opinion will remain, but we must reach consensus on issues of greater national interest,” he said.
Sheikh Robiul Alam said a new container jetty, yard facilities and modern equipment were being developed at Mongla Port. A China Export Processing Zone (EPZ) was also being established in the area, while several major industrial enterprises were showing interest in investing there.
He added that the highway from Bhanga to Mongla was being expanded and railway connectivity was also planned.
The minister said the south-western and southern regions had considerable potential for energy development and industrialisation. He expressed confidence that the government's initiatives would significantly expand the regional economy, infrastructure, business, trade and import-export activities during its tenure.
He said the prime minister had described the Mongla-Khulna-Faridpur-Barishal region as relatively underdeveloped and stressed that national development could not be achieved by leaving any region behind.
The programme was chaired by Rear Admiral Arif Ahmed Mostafa, chairman of the Mongla Port Authority.
Among others present were Khulna Development Authority Chairman SM Shafiqul Alam Mona, Bagerhat District Council Administrator Barrister Mohammad Zakir Hossain, Mongla Port Authority Director (Administration) Sheikh Mamunur Rahman, and election committee chairman Md Zulfikar Ali, former mayor of Mongla municipality and president of Mongla Municipal BNP.
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