A discussion meeting was also held on the
occasion, attended as the chief guest by Disaster Management and Relief
Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, MP.
The initiative comes as part of the government’s
efforts to revive the historic land port and restore cross-border trade and
connectivity between Bangladesh and India.
During the visit, State Minister Rajib Ahsan said
reopening the Mogalhat land port could give a fresh boost to bilateral trade
between Bangladesh and India.
It will also have a positive impact on the
economy, trade and employment in Lalmonirhat and the surrounding northern
region, he said.
He said senior officials, including Bangladesh
Land Port Authority Chairman Mohammad Manjarul Mannan, had already inspected
the port’s physical infrastructure and overall condition. Based on their
assessment, a report has also been prepared.
The state minister said Bangladesh was ready to
take the necessary steps to reopen the port. However, some infrastructure would
have to be developed, including a bridge across the river, roads, a small
railway station and the deployment of necessary manpower.
The government is ready to build these
facilities. But a memorandum of understanding with India is necessary. Unless
India starts operations on its side, it will not be possible for Bangladesh to
reopen the port, he said.
The Mogalhat land port has remained largely
abandoned since the devastating flood of 1988 damaged the railway bridge over
the Dharla River, disrupting its operations.
The reopening of the port is expected to
strengthen Bangladesh-India trade and regional connectivity while creating new
economic opportunities in Lalmonirhat and other parts of northern Bangladesh.
The government has been pursuing the revival of important but abandoned land ports as part of its broader efforts to expand trade, improve regional connectivity and strengthen cross-border economic activity.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Published Date : October 4, 2026
