Khagrachari, Nov 09 (V7N)- The Ramgarh land port, a strategic point for trade between Bangladesh and India, remains non-operational as development work is underway. Mohammad Manzarul Mannan, the newly appointed chairman of Bangladesh Land Port Authority, informed the media on Friday that the port will become operational only after completing its infrastructure projects, a decision that will benefit both nations through enhanced trade.

Earlier, on August 14, the Indian government set a tentative date for passenger transit operations at Ramgarh and the Sabrum land port in Tripura. However, with the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, plans were put on hold. Chairman Mannan emphasized, “It is better to launch after all the work is completed, as it will expand inter-trade between Bangladesh and India.”

Mannan expressed satisfaction with the construction progress and praised the design and planning of Ramgarh’s land port facilities, noting that the project is part of the same initiative that includes the Sheola land port in Sylhet’s Biyanibazar.

On his visit, Mannan inspected the ongoing construction of the port’s buildings, passenger terminal, and related infrastructure. He also visited the BGB ICP building and Maitri Bridge, which connects Ramgarh to Sabrum, Tripura. Officials including Ramgarh Land Port Development Project Director Md. Sarwar Alam, Ramgarh Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mamata Afrin, and Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Nazim Uddin were present.

A related source disclosed that Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, an advisor to the Ministry of Shipping, plans to visit the port soon to assess progress. Though the date for his visit remains unconfirmed, the port authority is preparing for it.

Sarwar Alam commented, “The advisor has shown interest in Ramgarh’s progress. While projects in other areas connected to India are paused, Ramgarh’s development is progressing rapidly.” The road-widening project on the Ramgarh-Baroyarhat route, expected to be completed by June 2025, is also underway to support port access.

Once complete, Ramgarh’s land port will significantly boost trade operations, strengthening economic ties between Bangladesh and India.

END/BT/AJ