‘Govt exploring land port option at Teknaf’s Ghumdhum’

NN Online:

Shipping Adviser Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain has said the government is considering the establishment of a land port at Ghumdhum in Teknaf, with a focus on neighboring Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the car and customs auction shed at Chattogram Port on Thursday, the shipping adviser said that despite the evolving situation in Myanmar, maintaining connectivity with the Rakhine State remains a priority for Bangladesh.

“The government is planning to set up a land port at Ghumdhum in Teknaf, considering Rakhine’s strategic importance. Additionally, we are assessing whether Teknaf Land Port can be converted into a naval port,” he said.

He said the need for legal reforms to expedite the auctioning process of long-stalled goods at the Chattogram port was crucial, noting that bureaucratic complexities were hindering smooth operations.

The government was evaluating the performance of several land ports, some of which were not generating revenue. “We are exploring the possibility of shutting down non-profitable land ports,” he added.

During his visit, a section of port workers, including members of the Nationalist Labour Party, protested against the proposed privatisation of the New Mooring Container Terminal and Patenga Container Terminal. In response, the shipping adviser assured that no agreements would be made that could harm national interests.

Earlier in the day, the shipping adviser visited Chattogram Port’s Car Shed and Customs Auction Shed to inspect auctionable vehicles and goods. He instructed authorities to promptly remove auctionable items to free up port space and improve operational efficiency.