KHULNA, Aug 18, 2025 (BSS) - The Mongla Port Authority (MPA) has set a target of earning Taka 600 crore in revenue and handling over 12 million tonnes of cargo in the 2025-26 fiscal year.

During the period, around 900 foreign commercial ships are expected to dock at the port jetties.

MPA Deputy Director (Media) Md Makruzzaman said the port has set a new record by earning Taka 343.33 crore in revenue through handling 10.4 million tonnes of cargo in the 2024-25 fiscal year. It earned a profit of Taka 62.1 crore, which was 203.49 percent higher than the target of Taka 20.5 crore.

The port is undergoing major transformation to become a key maritime hub for southwestern Bangladesh, supported by strong import-export performance and expansion initiatives. Backed by the interim government's vision, plans are underway to attract foreign investment and upgrade infrastructure.

In the first 48 days of the current fiscal year (till August 17), 103 commercial ships have already docked at Mongla, handling about 10 lakh tonnes of cargo. Of them, eight vessels managed 5,332 TEUs of container cargo. In July alone, Mongla handled 4,459 TEUs, facilitated the import of 518 reconditioned vehicles, and processed 6.5 lakh tonnes of cargo. 

Ongoing upgrades, including dredging of the approach channel, expansion of container terminals, and digitalization of customs and port operations, are expected to sustain this momentum. These improvements are also enhancing Mongla's role as a transit point for cargo destined for India's northeastern states and Bhutan under bilateral transit agreements.

Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman, Chairman of the MPA, told BSS that full utilization of the port's potential could enable it to handle 1,500 foreign ships annually, manage 1,00,000 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of container cargo, process 20 million tonnes of general cargo, and clear 20,000 reconditioned vehicles each year.

"Achieving these targets would not only boost national trade capacity but also create thousands of jobs in the Khulna-Bagerhat region," he said, adding: "Our focus is on modernizing infrastructure, improving efficiency, and unlocking Mongla's full potential as a regional logistics hub."

With its strategic location and growing capacity, Mongla Port is emerging as a vital alternative to Chattogram, easing congestion at the country's main seaport and contributing to balanced regional development.

The MPA has been holding regular meetings with port users, including shipping agents, C&F agents, stevedores, and other stakeholders, to ensure smooth operations and address challenges. 

To boost vessel arrivals and expand trade activities, an Internal Business Development Standing Committee has also been formed, which has already delivered positive results.