Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, July 20, 2026 (BSS) - Leaders of the Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) have urged authorities to open the Sultanganj river port in Godagari upazila soon, saying the facility would reduce trade costs, boost regional business and create employment opportunities.

A delegation of RCCI visited the port area on Sunday to assess infrastructure and collect information sought by the National Board of Revenue (NBR) for preparing a report on the port's opening.

RCCI President Hasen Ali, former president Masudur Rahman Rinku, Senior Vice President Shamsur Rahman Shantonu, Vice President Ziauddin Ahmed, Director Golam Saklain and importer-exporter Aminul Islam were present during the visit.

Importer-exporter Aminul Islam said the required infrastructure, including unloading facilities and road connectivity, has already been prepared. He said opening the port would significantly reduce the cost of importing stones from India and increase government revenue.

RCCI Senior Vice President Shamsur Rahman Shantonu said the northern region faces an employment crisis and the river port could help expand trade and generate jobs. He added that the chamber would soon meet NBR officials to press for early approval.

Former RCCI president Masudur Rahman Rinku said five lighter vessels operated on a trial basis after the port's inauguration on February 12, 2024, generating around Tk 8 lakh in revenue, but operations were later suspended.

RCCI President Hasen Ali said the port would reduce transport costs and time for exports and imports between Bangladesh and India. He said the chamber would submit a report to NBR soon as requested by its chairman.