Chattogram: Shipping Adviser Brig. Gen. (Retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain today announced the construction of a seaport at Teknaf in Coxsbazar under the jurisdiction of the Chattogram Port Authority (CPA). A feasibility study will also be conducted to explore the potential for developing a land port at Ghumdhum in Bandarban.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser provided these updates during a media interaction at Chattogram Seaport. He highlighted the strategic significance of Teknaf as a seaport and mentioned the ongoing plans to assess the feasibility of establishing a land port at Ghumdhum, which shares land connectivity with Myanmar’s Rakhine state. The development efforts aim to enhance the port facilities in these regions, considering their future prospects.
Dr. Hossain emphasized Bangladesh’s long-standing relationship with the Rakhine State and expressed the country’s commitment to taking pragmatic steps with a forward-looking approach, irrespective of the situation in Myanmar. He pointed out the strategic importance of the area, particularly in relation to the Rohingya community, and reiterated the need for future planning to establish a land port.
The adviser also revealed that he has identified eight inactive land ports over the past decade, indicating the necessity for decisive action regarding these facilities. In addition to the Teknaf seaport plans, he mentioned ongoing efforts to develop Mongla Port alongside Chattogram Port to enhance their productivity and economic significance.
The Shipping Adviser noted the improvements in container congestion and overall performance at Chattogram Port, which have attracted attention from foreign investors. He cited a significant investment of 650 million dollars from the World Bank in building channels and breakwaters as a major development for the region. Dr. Hossain expressed optimism about the potential signing of an agreement with the World Bank for the development of Bay Terminal and Laldia Terminal within the next four to five months.