Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping, Brigadier General (Retd.) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, emphasized the importance of making land ports more efficient and effective for the country’s economic growth.
He said that land ports play a crucial role in the economy, and their management must be strengthened in the national interest.
He made these remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting titled “Progress of Land Ports, Prosperity of the Economy” held at the headquarters of the Bangladesh Land Port Authority (BLPA) to mark its 24th founding anniversary on Monday.
The adviser pointed out that there is a significant trade deficit in imports and exports, which needs to be addressed through necessary measures. Since land ports are located near borders, they are directly linked to national security. Therefore, port management and policy decisions must be more strategic, keeping the country’s interests in mind. He stressed the need to enhance the efficiency of land ports to strengthen the economy.
He also mentioned that in the past, there was a lack of geopolitical awareness and capability, leading to the construction of some ports without proper feasibility studies. Moving forward, he urged caution in establishing new land ports, ensuring they align with national interests.
Additionally, he emphasized improving security at ports to enhance overall management.
Dr. Sakhawat Hossain called upon all port officials to work professionally with dedication and patriotism for the country’s benefit.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping, Mohammad Yusuf, highlighted the importance of timely project implementation for modernizing land ports.
In his closing speech, BLPA Chairman Mohammad Manzarul Mannan stressed the need for a "one-stop service" to improve port management efficiency.
The event was attended by Payra Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral Masud Iqbal, BIWTC Chairman Md. Salimullah, BIWTA Chairman Commodore Arif Ahmed Mostafa, and officials from various levels of the Bangladesh Land Port Authority.
