Photo: BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, June 19, 2026 (BSS) – After remaining closed for over two years, Sultanganj River Port in Rajshahi’s Godagari Upazila is finally set to reopen.

Relevant officials said all necessary infrastructure and preparations have been completed while import-export activities will begin once approval is received.

A consultation meeting was held on June 16 aiming at the full launch of Sultanganj River Port. The meeting was chaired by Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid.

Director of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) AKM Arif Uddin spoke at the meeting virtually.

Officials from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), River Police, other government departments, and business representatives participated in the meeting. 

Additional Superintendent of River Police Fazle Elahi said a River Police station would be established once the port opens. There are plans to upgrade the existing outpost into a full-fledged police station.

NBR representatives said there were earlier concerns over the port’s infrastructure and security. However, the required structures have now been built and preparations completed. A final report on the matter will be submitted soon.

Stone importer Aminul Islam said if stones can be imported from Maya Port in Murshidabad, India, transportation costs will be reduced by more than half. This will benefit traders and increase government revenue.

Rajshahi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Hasen Ali said that alongside Sonamasjid Land Port, Sultanganj River Port would create new trade opportunities in the Rajshahi region. The port will facilitate both import and export activities, helping boost employment and the local economy.

Godagari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Israt Jahan said work is underway to widen the connecting road to the port. Other necessary preparations for operating the port have also been completed.

Traders have already started renting nearby land to store goods.

BIWTA Director A K M Arif Uddin said dredging has been carried out at different points of the Padma River along with the development of new infrastructure to ensure smooth vessel movement. Full operations can begin once NBR approval is received.

Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid said employment opportunities would increase and economic activities would expand once the port opens.

He expressed optimism that positive progress would be made soon regarding the reopening of the port.

Earlier, last Friday, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority Member (Planning and Operations) and Joint Secretary Sajedur Rahman visited Sultanganj River Port.

He was accompanied by BIWTA Director A K M Arif Uddin.

About six decades ago, regular river trade used to operate between Sultanganj in Rajshahi and Dhulian in Murshidabad, West Bengal, India.

However, the route was closed due to various reasons, including the 1965 India-Pakistan war.

After 59 years, trade along the river route resumed on February 12, 2024. But the port was closed again after operating for only 10 days on a trial basis.

During that period, stones and garment waste were imported and exported using five vessels.

On August 1, 2025, Shipping Adviser of the interim government Sakhawat Hossain visited the port and directed that it be reopened quickly, but the decision was not implemented.

The distance from Sultanganj in Godagari to Maya River Port in Murshidabad, India, is only 18 kilometres. Once the route opens, stones, marble, mineral sand, raw materials for the cement industry, and various food products can be imported from India. On the other hand, Bangladesh will be able to export textiles, fish, jute and jute products, and various agricultural goods.

According to stakeholders, reopening Sultanganj River Port will give new momentum to trade, employment, and economic activities in the Rajshahi region.