ZCZC
BSS-38
KHALID-LAND-PORT
Khalid for expansion of land ports to ease export-import
DHAKA, Jan 22, 2019 (BSS) – State Minister for Shipping
Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury today said the land port facilities
will be expanded to ease export-import through the ports for
flourishing trade and commerce and strengthening regional
relations.
“Land ports are playing an important role for the
country’s economic progress. Development activities of the
land ports are underway to ease export-import by road to
expand export-import and regional trade and strengthen
relations between neighboring countries,” he told a view-
exchange with officials and employees of Bangladesh Land Port
Authority at its office here.
Khalid said at present the country has 23 land ports
while 12 ports- Benapole, Bhomra, Burimari, Akhaura,
Nakugaon, Tamabil, Sonahat, Sonamasjid, Hili, Teknaf,
Bibirbazar and Banglabandha remain active.
Developments of Bilonia, Gobrakura-Karaituli, Ramgarh,
Chilahati, Tegamukh, Doulatganj, Sheola, Dhanuakamalpur,
Balla, Darshana and Biral land ports are underway, he said.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government
brought a total of 12 land ports under gazette in 2001. But
only two were kept active from 2001 to 2008 during the BNP-
Jamaat alliance and military backed caretaker government, he
said.
Since Awami League led grand alliance government assumed
office in 2009, a total of 11 ports were brought under
gazette.
The meeting was told foundation stone of headquarters of
Land Port Authority will be laid at its own land at Agargaon
in the capital to further boost up activities of the land
ports.
Shipping Secretary Md Abdus Samad and Bangladesh Land
Port Authority Chairman Tapan Kumar Chakravorty were present
in the meeting.
BSS/pr/MKD/BZC/1908HRS