Mongla Port, the second largest seaport of the country, has earned Tk 9.46 crore more in revenue in the fiscal year 2024–25. Cargo-handling target was set at 8.88 lakh tons, but by the end of the year, the port handled 10,412,000 metric tons, exceeding the target by 15.32 lakh metric tons or 17.25%. The target for container handling was 20,000 TEUs, but the port handled 21,456 TEUs—1,456 TEUs more than the target.
The revenue target for FY 2024–25 was Tk 333.87 crore. By the end of the fiscal year, revenue reached Tk 343.30 crore—Tk 9.46 crore more than the target. The net profit target was set at Tk 20.46 crore. Actual net profit reached Tk 62.10 crore—Tk 41.65 crore or 203.49% higher than the target.
In the first five months of the current fiscal year, 356 ships have arrived at the port; container handling reached 13,854 TEUs; 4,139 cars were imported; import–export cargo totalled 44 lakh tons. Thanks to newly procured modern equipment, the port can now handle more than 24 containers per hour for the first time. Significant prospects have also emerged for transit trade with neighbouring countries through Mongla Port. Using Mongla Port via land, river and rail routes will make transportation of goods to Rajshahi, Rangpur and Barisal divisions easier and faster.
The Port Authority says import–export through Mongla has increased in recent years. To facilitate foreign vessel movement in the port channel, 69 navigation buoys have been installed. Currently, a total of 47 vessels can anchor simultaneously at the jetties, mooring buoys and anchorage points. To support port operations, transit sheds, warehouses, container yards, 161 reefer plug-points for frozen goods, car-parking yards, 136 modern handling equipment, tugboats and 32 other auxiliary vessels are available.
In the first two weeks of the new year alone, at least 42 foreign commercial vessels arrived. The number of container ships has also increased, keeping officials, staff and dock workers extremely busy. The increased ship traffic has boosted port revenue.
Since the beginning of 2025, the arrival of foreign commercial ships at the port has increased compared to previous years. On different points of the Pashur Channel, an average of 18–20 vessels are present daily, carrying coal, fertiliser, cement clinker, LPG, stones and other cargo. Between 1 and 15 January alone, 42 ships arrived at the port.
Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman, Chairman of the Mongla Port Authority, said, “Mongla Port is a service-and development-oriented institution. The port continues to play a vital role in the country’s economic progress. Its capacity has increased manyfold compared to earlier years. Every year, we are setting records in the arrival of foreign ships, cargo handling and car imports.”
“Maintaining the 131-kilometre navigability of the waterway from the Bay of Bengal to the jetties is crucial. Through the collective efforts of all, the port has become a profitable establishment. The port has created employment opportunities in the southwest region,” he added.
The Mongla Port Authority (MPA) celebrated its 75th founding anniversary through various programmes on Saturday. On the occasion of the founding anniversary, a discussion meeting and award-giving ceremony were also held on Monday.
Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman attended the programme as the chief guest. Among those present were the port’s Member (Harbor & Marine) Commodore Md. Shafiqul Islam Sarkar, Member (Finance) Kazi Abed Hossain, Member (Engineering & Development) Dr. A.K.M. Anisur Rahman, Director (Board) Kalachand Singh, Captain Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, port users and various officials and employees.
