Brigadier Dr M Sakhawat Hossain, Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping and Textiles, announced today that the interim government plans to transfer several land ports to the private sector and close those that are unprofitable.
Closure of Unprofitable Ports
“Out of the 24 land ports across the country, four have already been closed. The process of shutting down an additional four unprofitable land ports is currently underway,” the adviser disclosed while addressing reporters during his visit to Hili Land Port in Dinajpur.
Development Plans for Growing Ports
Dr Hossain emphasised that plans are being formulated to improve the infrastructure of developing land ports. He assured that gradual steps will be taken to resolve existing issues and boost operational efficiency.
Business Community’s Requests
Earlier, during a meeting with business leaders at the port, the adviser was urged to:
| Request | Purpose |
| Road Repairs | To facilitate smoother transportation |
| Increased Warehouse Facilities | To accommodate growing cargo volumes |
| Overall Infrastructure Development | To enhance port capacity and services |
Inspection and Official Instructions
Following the meeting, the adviser inspected various facilities of the Hili Land Port and the Customs Division. He provided necessary instructions to the relevant officials to address the concerns raised.
Officials Present at the Visit
The visit was attended by notable officials including:
| Name | Position |
| Mohammad Manjarul Mannan | Chairman, Bangladesh Land Port Authority |
| Arun Kumar Biswas | Rangpur Customs Divisional Commissioner |
| A S M Akram | Assistant Commissioner, Hili Customs |
