News Flash
SANGSAD BHABAN, April 28, 2026 (BSS) -Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today informed the Jatiya Sangsad that the government has undertaken comprehensive measures to ensure security and discipline at Benapole Land Port, alongside initiatives to make import and export operations more dynamic and efficient.
“The Benapole Land Port plays a very important role in our national economy as this port plays a strong role in boosting exports. The government has already undertaken plans and implementing those for its development, ensuring security and discipline and making more dynamic the import and export operations,” he said.
He also expressed optimism that within the next two months, once the ongoing tendered works are implemented, visible improvements will be observed and thus country’s people would be benefitted.
The Shipping Minister said this in response to a notice on matters of public importance under Rule-71 placed by opposition lawmaker Muhammad Azizur Rahman (Jashore-1) in the House today where he highlighted various problems persisting in the Benapole Land Port.
The minister said the issues raised regarding the ports are extensive which the government is addressing with priority.
He said a major project has been undertaken under the Bangladesh Land Port Authority with World Bank financing to resolve water logging at the port.
“We have already invited tenders for two packages worth about Tk 355 crore, which include construction of nearly 7,500 running meters of drainage system, port buildings, passenger parking facilities, yard sheds, warehouses and dump shipment sheds,” he said.
“The tender evaluation is currently underway and we expect to begin the drainage construction very soon to mitigate water logging,” added the Minister.
Highlighting security measures, the minister said strict instructions have been issued to strengthen discipline at the port.
To ensure proper security, Rabiul said access to the international passenger terminal has been restricted only to authorised persons adding that directives were given to the concerned forces on February 22, 2026.
He further said that enhanced security arrangements are being reintroduced as a specialised APBN security perimeter is being reinstated to strengthen safety at the port.
Referring to alleged criminal activities, he said they have instructed round-the-clock deployment and surveillance to prevent any deterioration of law and order.
The minister said that the port remains under constant supervision. From 6:00 am to 8:30 pm daily, he said an assistant director along with a team of personnel remains deployed at the international passenger terminal, especially in sensitive installations.
Describing Benapole as a key driver of the national economy, he said, “This port plays a vital role in export-import trade, and the government has already taken extensive plans to improve its infrastructure, ensure security and enhance operational efficiency.”
In responses to the demand of the lawmaker, the Shipping Minister said the proposal for establishing a hospital in the area will be considered in consultation with the Health Ministry.
On workers’ welfare, he said the workers at the port are generally under private leaseholders, not directly under the port authority.
“However, we will urge the leaseholders to improve their facilities and living standards and take necessary measures in this regard.” he added.
