Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain. File Photo

DHAKA, Feb 10, 2026 (BSS) - Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hussain today presented an overall picture of the activities and achievements of his ministry and its subordinate departments and offices during the period from September 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026.

He made the presentation at a press briefing at the conference room of the Ministry of Shipping.

The adviser said the country’s maritime sector is being transformed into a strong, safe and internationally standard-compliant sector due to clear policy guidance of the interim government and efficient management.

As per the briefing, a project for constructing a heavy lift cargo jetty at Laldia is underway to enhance heavy cargo handling capacity at Chattogram Port, which is being implemented through Bangladesh Navy. 

At the same time, a 33-year concession agreement has been signed with APM Terminals BV under the PPP model for the construction and operation of the Laldia Container Terminal, which is expected to go into operation by mid-2029.

According to Chattogram Port Authority data, during the period under review, the port earned revenue of TK 2,378.77 crore, incurred expenditure of TK  837.99 crore, and recorded a surplus of TK 1,540.08 crore. Significant growth was achieved in container, cargo and ship handling, and in 2025 Chattogram Port set an all-time record in container and cargo handling. Achieving ‘Zero Observation’ in the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) audit under international security standards was cited as recognition of the port’s security capability.

The Shipping Adviser said that the approval of the preservation dredging project in the Pashur Channel of Mongla Port by ECNEC has paved the way for resolving the long-standing navigability crisis. 

At the same time, a modern waste and waste oil removal facility (PRF) project has been inaugurated at Mongla Port, marking a milestone in environment friendly port management.

At Payra Port, revenue income has increased through significant cargo handling from both domestic and foreign vessels. Under the PPFT project, various infrastructure works including construction of roads, bridges and mobile harbour cranes are progressing rapidly.

Initiatives by BIWTC and BIWTA to launch sea-truck and ferry services to Kutubdia, Hatiya, Maheshkhali, Bhasan Char and other island areas have made travel for people in remote regions safer, easier and more time-saving. Extensive improvements in inland waterway communication have been achieved through the installation of new launch terminals, pontoons and jetties.

The adviser informed that during the tenure of the interim government, BIWTA has installed more than thirty launch terminals and more than fifty pontoons to improve the quality of life of marginal people and to ensure smooth and uninterrupted movement of passengers and transportation of goods.

Bangladesh Shipping Corporation (BSC) has achieved it’s highest-ever profit of TK 306.56 crore, and the addition of new bulk carrier vessels to its fleet has further enhanced the country’s capacity on international sea routes. Recovery of a substantial amount of foreign currency through dispute resolution was also highlighted as a government success.

Through the Department of Shipping, the installation of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), coastal radio stations and lighthouses has strengthened maritime safety in coastal areas. The National River Conservation Commission has undertaken activities to strengthen the legal framework to prevent illegal occupation and pollution of rivers. At the same time, progress has been made in producing skilled seafarers and maritime manpower through training at Marine Academies and National Maritime Institutes.

In his concluding remarks at the press briefing, the Shipping Adviser said, “The maritime sector is not just a transport system; it is an important driving force of the national economy. Our goal is to transform Bangladesh into a modern, efficient and internationally standard maritime hub. These achievements reflect our firm progress towards that goal.”

Shipping Secretary Dr Nurun Nahar Chowdhury, and other concerned senior officials were present at the press conference.

BSS/ASG/KMA/MKD/ SKB/ 1855 hrs