Shipping Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam announced that all illegally occupied land at Chattogram port will be recovered within the next two months, making the port completely free from encroachment. The minister made this declaration while responding to a supplementary question from opposition Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Shahjahan Chowdhury (Chattogram-15) during a session in the Jatiya Sangsad. Chowdhury had raised concerns about the illegal leasing and occupation of different areas of the port. In response, Alam mentioned that leases of several port areas have already been cancelled, with two of the three cancelled leases already recovered. A case concerning the recovery of the remaining area is pending with the court.
Efforts to Recover Occupied Land
The minister stated that ownership disputes over some port areas exist between the Ministry of Railways and the Ministry of Shipping. During his recent visit to Chattogram, Alam heard the details of the matter and gave necessary decisions. He also expressed hope that cases pending with the court will be settled through arbitration, ensuring no area of Chattogram port remains under illegal occupation within the next two months.
Improved Operational Efficiency
Shaikh Rabiul Alam highlighted that the operational efficiency of Chattogram port has significantly improved. Ships can now unload cargo, reload, and leave within two days, compared to the previous eight to 10 days. Both Chattogram and Mongla ports are currently handling record levels of revenue collection and container movement.
Development of Terminals and Waterways
The minister also mentioned the development of the Patenga Container Terminal, which is being operated according to international standards, and the Laldia Container Terminal, which is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. The Laldia terminal is expected to attract around US$800 million in investment and create employment opportunities for nearly 3,000 people. Additionally, around 7,500 kilometres of waterways across the country have been kept operational through dredging, with dredging currently underway on another 1,200 kilometres of waterways.
Pollution Control and Water Bus Services
Regarding river pollution around Dhaka, Alam said authorities have identified 424 pollution sources and spots. Multiple agencies, including the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), two city corporations, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), the Ministry of Water Resources, and other relevant agencies, are working in coordination to free the five rivers surrounding Dhaka from pollution. The minister also mentioned the reintroduction of water bus services, which incurred losses of Tk 57 crore over the past 10 years. The BIWTA has identified the problems and taken a fresh initiative to revive the service, with the hope of introducing water bus services on the ring waterways around Dhaka within the next two to three months.
