Dhaka: A committee of the Shipping Ministry today recommended the closure of six non-profitable and inactive ports under the Bangladesh Land Ports Authority. The decision was made after a thorough discussion held at the ministry’s conference room, where eight such ports were evaluated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the committee plans to submit a detailed report on the issue to the Adviser for the Ministry of Shipping and Labour and Employment, Brigadier General (Rtd) Dr. Sakhawat Hossain. This report will be presented following inspections and discussions with relevant stakeholders. During the meeting, the adviser highlighted that several establishments were constructed during the tenure of the previous government, which did not contribute positively to the country’s welfare and instead drained significant state finances.
The adviser further noted that two land ports were established in close proximity within a particular upazila. He emphasized that only those ports which are profitable and beneficial to the populace will remain operational. As per the committee’s recommendation, the six ports proposed for closure are Chilhati Land Port in Nilphamari district, Daulatganj Land Port in Chuadanga district, Tegamug Land Port in Rangamati district, Birol Land Port in Dinajpur district, Koraitoli Land Port in Mymensingh district, and Balla Land Port in Habiganj district.
The primary reasons cited for the closure of these ports include a lack of economic activities and the absence of corresponding developments on the Indian side of these ports. The meeting was attended by the Senior Secretary to the Shipping Ministry along with other committee members, who collectively agreed on the course of action.