Resuscitation of Mongla Port

The recent reports appearing in different newspapers about the present condition of Mongla Port give an impression that the closing down of the port operation is a matter of time. This news hurt the countrymen, may be highly disappointing news for me, being the ex-chairman of that ill-fated port. There are many reasons for the port to malfunction but the reason most highlighted-- the silt deposit problem of river Pasur-- may not be the correct one. The years 1997 and 1998 when I was the chairman had the record earning and net profit of the port for whatever reason (this is on record). This only establishes the fact that a concerted effort by all concerned can make this port vibrant again. Needless to say, the country with roughly fifteen million people cannot depend only on one seaport i.e. Chittagong. For safety and security of the country we must put all efforts for Mongla Port's survival.

Without going into the causes of the present day condition of the port, we can still think how to make it operative again. There are a few suggestions given below and our present CTG may look into them and take the correct decision, so that, the port does not face closure.

1. The operation of the port may be vested with civil representatives of the locality having Chairman of Khulna City Corporation as the head. The earnings of the port could be utilized for improvement of Mongla, Khulna and Bagerhat area. This system of operation exists in many ports.

2. Handing it over to private port operators. They will pay certain royalty to the govt. as well as for the port's improvement.

3. Handing over the operation to foreign Firms. In this regard, I would like to recall the former Indian High Commissioner's observations on the issue.

4. Lease out the port to some foreign / national firm for some period of time.

This is suggested because all efforts by the government have apparently failed to rejuvenate Mongla Port. It is for the information of all that Mongla Port was the highest foreign exchange earner in the pre-1971 period!

Source:RamblerNews