Construction of modern fish landing center in Cox’s Bazar promises boost to fisheries sector. Photo : BSS

COX’S BAZAR, June 23, 2026 (BSS) - A modern Fish Landing Center is being constructed in the coastal tourist town of Cox’s Bazar, bringing new hope to fishermen, trawler owners, workers, and fish traders who have long struggled with inadequate infrastructure.

The state-of-the-art facility will provide fish unloading, preservation, packaging and marketing services under one roof. 

Once completed, the project is expected to directly and indirectly benefit around 200,000 people involved in the fisheries sector.

Project officials said that the fishing industry in Cox’s Bazar has long suffered from various challenges, including limited jetty facilities, unplanned fish handling and inadequate preservation infrastructure.

 As a result, fishermen and traders often faced significant losses due to delays in marketing fish brought in from the deep sea.

To address these issues, construction of a modern fish landing center is now underway. At present, the existing facility can accommodate an average of 10 fishing trawlers per day for unloading. Upon completion, its capacity will increase to 60 trawlers daily. The time required for fish unloading and transportation is also expected to be reduced from four hours to just two.

The project includes a three-story modern Fish Landing Center building equipped with fish handling areas, a truck terminal, business offices, conference rooms, rest facilities and emergency storage provisions.

Project Security Manager Nasiul Alam Toufiq told BSS that the facility is being developed as a modern fish landing and marketing center with comprehensive amenities. He said the benefits of the project would become evident once construction is completed.

According to him, building construction is currently in progress, while riverside infrastructure development is nearing completion. Around 100 to 150 workers are engaged at the site every day.

A recent visit to the project area along the banks of the Bakkhali River showed that a durable embankment, two steel jetties, two pontoons, and two gangways have already been constructed.

 Additional facilities under development include a fish market, prayer room, public toilets, garbage disposal facilities, and modern water and electricity supply systems.

To ensure fish quality, the center will be equipped with modern fish-handling equipment, including washing basins, cooler boxes, fish containers, sorting trays, weighing machines and high-pressure washers.

Authorities believe the new facility will not only enhance operational capacity but also reduce post-harvest losses. It will provide fishermen and fish workers with a safer, healthier and more organized working environment.

Ashish Kumar Baidya, Manager of the Cox’s Bazar Fish Landing Center, said the new complex will feature truck parking facilities, modern fish packaging systems, ice-crushing machines, accommodation for fishermen, recreational facilities and a canteen. It will also include office space for traders, shops selling fishing equipment and a fully integrated marketplace.

He added that fish previously faced the risk of spoilage if not sold quickly. To address this, modern freezing plants and cold storage facilities are being established, allowing fish to be stored for longer periods while maintaining quality and reducing financial losses for traders.

According to project sources, the Government of Bangladesh and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement for the project in 2024. Construction was officially inaugurated on April 17, 2025, and the project is scheduled for completion in January 2028.

Officials from the Department of Fisheries said the project, being implemented with JICA funding at an estimated cost of Taka 232 crore, is expected to become one of South Asia’s most modern fish landing centers. 

It is anticipated to provide a significant boost to Cox’s Bazar’s marine economy.

Trawler owner Shamsul Alam said that fish previously had to remain exposed to the sun for extended periods, affecting quality and causing financial losses. He said that the old pontoons and infrastructure were small and risky, making fish unloading difficult.

 The construction of larger and more modern pontoons will help keep fish fresher and reduce spoilage.

Delwar Hossain, President of the Cox’s Bazar Fishing Boat Owners Association, said that the lack of adequate jetties previously prevented large trawlers from docking directly. Fish had to be transferred to smaller boats before being brought ashore, increasing the risk of accidents and losses.

He added that fish landing areas were often congested, unclean, and poorly organized. Once the new fish landing center and two modern jetties are completed, businesses of all sizes, as well as workers throughout the fisheries supply chain, will benefit from safer, more efficient fish unloading, storage, and marketing facilities.