Md. Monir Hossain Patwari, Reporter || The government has stepped up efforts to assess the feasibility of reopening the long-abandoned Mogalhat land port in Lalmonirhat, with State Minister for Shipping and Bridges Md Rajib Ahsan, MP, visiting the site on Sunday.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.Bangladesh ready, but India’s cooperation neededThe 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.Operations stalled after 1988 floodThe 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.