An investment of $4–5 billion will be required to modernise Chattogram Port, said Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the Laldia Char Container Yard in Chattogram's Patenga area today (10 November).

Chattogram Port Authority Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman and other senior officials from the port and shipping ministry were also present.

"Many people will have opinions about the port, but real progress requires technology, investment, and skilled manpower," Hussain said.

"Around four to five billion dollars will be invested around the port area. Most major ports in developed countries are operated by international operators — why should we lag behind? We are working toward that goal. For businesses, the Laldia Char Terminal will be a major opportunity, expanding container storage capacity by about 10,000 units," he added.

The shipping adviser said the new Laldia Char Terminal has been built on 14 acres of land, with space for 1,500 trucks. "A heavy-lift cargo jetty backup will cover eight acres, and the APM terminal area will span ten acres. We are also considering a multimodal railway link to strengthen connectivity," he added.

"Our country's transport system has not yet developed enough. Each terminal should have sufficient space for transport operations. I have spoken to the port chairman — we must plan a separate exit road from the port. Railway connectivity is also crucial," Hussain said.

"Although rail is underutilised now, we hope it will become effective in the future. Heavy truck traffic causes constant congestion near the port, and with increasing trade and economic activity, we must plan ahead," he added.

Md Shakawath Hossain / Modernising Chattogram Port / Laldia Char Terminal