Khulna, Jan 03 (V7N) —Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, talked about the vital role of Mongla Port in Khulna’s economy and urged collective responsibility to ensure its sustainability and growth.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 56th-anniversary and reunion celebration of Government Sundarban Model College in Khulna on Friday, the adviser highlighted the strategic importance of the port and the need for infrastructure development to unlock its full potential.
He noted that Mongla Port, being a key asset for Khulna, requires enhanced functionality to better serve importers and shipping agents. “Mongla Port is Khulna’s port, and keeping it operational and efficient is everyone’s duty. Without the establishment of a container terminal, the port cannot achieve its full capacity, but initiatives are already underway to address this,” he said.
The adviser called for reducing tariffs to make the port more attractive to importers. “Lower tariffs would encourage greater use of Mongla Port, benefiting both the local economy and national trade,” he added.
Dr Sakhawat also advocated for reinstating the Mongla Port office in Khulna city, a move he believes will significantly ease operations for importers, shipping agents, and other stakeholders.
He praised the historical contributions of Government Sundarban Model College, which hosted the event, and assured that he would convey the demands for its expansion and infrastructure improvement to the relevant authorities.
The celebration was attended by senior officials and dignitaries, who echoed the adviser’s sentiments on the importance of Mongla Port to the region's development. The event was presided over by the college’s principal, Professor Abu Taher Md Anisur Rahman, and featured a warm welcome speech by the reunion committee’s convener, Md Tariqul Islam.
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