Photo : BSS

By S M Zahid Hossain

KHULNA, Sept 12, 2025 (BSS) - Mongla Port, the second-largest seaport in Bangladesh, witnessed a gradual increase in container handling throughout the first two months of the current fiscal year (FY), driven by growing economic activity in the country.

Business-friendly environment and adequate facilities have drawn the attention of importers and exporters towards Mongla seaport.

To ensure uninterrupted services for port users, several projects are being implemented to enhance the port’s capacity.

According to the Public Relations and Traffic Department of the Mongla Port Authority, the seaport handled 21,456 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers in the 2024–25 fiscal year.

In July and August of the current fiscal year, the number has already reached 6,769 TEUs, reflecting higher imports amid the emerging economies' growth.

Talking to BSS, Md. Makruzzaman Munshi, Deputy Director (Public Relations) of Mongla Port Authority, said that compared to the last fiscal year, both imports and exports through container ships have increased at the port this year.

“That is why a record number of containers were handled in just two months,” he noted, expressing hope that the figure would double compared to last year. 

Chief Planning Officer of the Mongla Port Authority (MPA), Zahirul Haque, said that due to the favorable business climate and available facilities, both local and foreign traders are now focusing on using Bangladesh’s second seaport, Mongla.

He added that compared to Chattogram Port, transporting goods through Mongla is easier and less costly, creating vast opportunities for business purposes.

To seize this potential, multiple projects are being implemented, including the Expansion and Modernization of Mongla Port Facilities, Maintenance Dredging of the Pashur Channel, construction of new jetties, and several others, he added.

Member (Finance) of MPA, Abed Ali, stated that apart from its own revenue earnings, Mongla Port also contributes significantly to national economic growth by boosting revenue collection through Mongla Customs House.

He emphasized that long-term planning and effective management are driving the authority’s efforts to further enhance income and strengthen the country’s economy.

"Many businesses are coming back on imports due to lower costs and good financial conditions," Abed added while citing increased shipments of bulk cargo and consumer goods through Mongla port.

"Lower import costs and higher industrial demand contributed to this enhancement," he said while highlighting development projects that are nearing completion,” he added.

Contacted, Sayed Zahid Hossain, President of the Mongla port Berth and Ship Operator Association, stated that container handling has risen compared to previous years because of vibrant economic growth both home and abroad, including the current good situation to the global supply chain.