DHAKA, Nov 04, 2024 (BSS)- Shipping, Textiles and Jute Adviser Brigadier General (Retired) M Sakhawat Hossain gave directives for delivery of the goods at the Pangaon river port in the shortest possible time to make the port more efficient and profitable.

“Pangaon is a crucial river port due to its location. The interim government is working relentlessly to make the port profitable,” he said.

The shipping adviser said this after visiting Pangaon River Port, Ananda Shipyard, Dockyard and Engineering Works, and Deck and Engine Personnel Training Center (DEPTC) to review the ongoing projects and activities of the port, said a press release.

The adviser also gave directives to take initiatives for building parks and jetties under BIWTC’s supervision through land acquisition by district commissioner.
 
He also asked the concerned authorities to take initiatives to launch floating restaurants and tourist ships.

He said that a meeting will be held soon to take decision about cargo fares on the Chittagong-Pangaon sea route which was increased during the previous government's tenure.

The adviser asked the concerned authorities to avoid dilly-dallying and public sufferings in the name of inspection.
 
Terming shipbuilding is a very potential sector for the country, the adviser said the government is determined to take the sector forward.

Government is taking steps to encourage foreign investors to invest in the shipbuilding industry, he added.

Shakhawat said there are many irregularities and mismanagement and influence of syndicates in the ports. All ports including Chattogram Port will be freed from syndicates very soon, he said.

Chairman of Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Commodore Arif Ahmed Mostafa, Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Corporation (BIWTC) Chairman Sanjay Kumar Banik, officials of the ministry and representatives of the affiliated organizations were present.