Mongla Port celebrates 75th anniversary

Mongla Port, the country's second-largest seaport, celebrated its 75th anniversary on Monday, highlighting its remarkable journey from a once-declining facility to a modern, profitable hub of maritime trade.

With growing interest from foreign investors, improved infrastructure and the integration of advanced technology, the port has opened a new horizon of possibilities.

The anniversary programme began with the release of pigeons and balloons, inaugurated by Rear Admiral M Shahin Rahman, Chairman of the Mongla Port Authority.

A colourful rally was brought out from the port jetty and paraded around Shadhinota Chattar before returning to the venue.

In his opening remarks, Rear Admiral Rahman said, "With the addition of modern cargo and container-handling equipment, expanded yard capacity, the use of information technology, and the combined efforts of officials, workers and port users, Mongla Port has transformed into a profitable entity.

Once labelled a 'dead port', it now stands as a vibrant, internationally standard seaport under the guidance and development initiatives of the present government."

He added, "Mongla Port is not just a centre of trade; it is the economic lifeline of the southwest region. The Padma Bridge has significantly enhanced its importance.

We are now moving towards becoming a smart port, with plans for automated cargo handling, a digital management system and direct links with major international shipping lines."

The chairman also announced future development plans, including the construction of new jetties, expanded dredging operations, the development of container terminals and the launch of rail connectivity-initiatives expected to elevate Mongla into one of the country's major economic hubs.

The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Shipping, military and civilian authorities, importers and exporters, representatives of shipping agents' associations, local public representatives and journalists from print and electronic media.

Port users stressed the need to ensure navigability along the 131 km

channel from the Bay of Bengal to the port jetty, noting that future increases in vessel movement will require prioritising dredging activities.

According to the port's Senior Deputy Director (Public Relations), Md Makruzzaman, Mongla Port officially began its operations on 1 December 1950 when the first commercial vessel-the British-flagged The City of Leons-anchored at Joymonir Ghol on the Pashur River. At the time, the port was known as the Chalna Anchorage Port.