‘Govt considering land port in Teknaf’

Staff Reporter :

Shipping Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr. M Sakhawat Hossain on Thursday said the government is considering establishing a land port at Ghumdhum in Teknaf, taking into account its proximity to Myanmar’s Rakhine State.

Speaking to journalists after inspecting the car and customs auction shed at Chattogram Port, he emphasized that despite the evolving situation in Myanmar, Bangladesh remains committed to maintaining connectivity with Rakhine.

“The government is planning to set up a land port at Ghumdhum in Teknaf due to Rakhine’s strategic significance. We are also evaluating the feasibility of transforming Teknaf Land Port into a naval port,” he noted.

He highlighted the need for legal reforms to accelerate the auctioning of long-stalled goods at Chattogram Port, pointing out that bureaucratic hurdles were hampering smooth operations.

The government is also reviewing the performance of various land ports, some of which are not generating revenue. “We are considering shutting down land ports that are not financially viable,” he added.

During his visit, a section of port workers, including members of the Nationalist Labour Party, staged a protest against the proposed privatization of the New Mooring Container Terminal and Patenga Container Terminal. In response, the shipping adviser reassured them that no agreements would be made at the expense of national interests.

Earlier in the day, he visited Chattogram Port’s Car Shed and Customs Auction Shed to inspect auctionable vehicles and goods. He directed authorities to swiftly clear auctionable items to optimize port space and enhance operational efficiency.