KHULNA, Dec 1, 2024 (BSS) - The 74th founding anniversary of the Mongla Port, the country's second largest seaport, was celebrated today with a pledge to boost up its capacity, profit and service.

To mark the day, different programmes were held with fanfare and festivity. The programmes included hoisting of the national flag during sunrise, rally, discussion and doa mahfil.

Mongla Port Authority (MPA) Chairman Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman inaugurated the day's programme as the chief guest.

Besides, the Mongla Port buildings, main gate, jetty, ships and Mongla Port Authority (MPA) office building and main gate in Khulna were illuminated. All home and foreign ships anchored at the jetty blew their whistles at once at 12.01 am.

On the occasion, a rally, led by MPA Chairman Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman, started from the MPA administrative building and ended at the main gate of the jetty after parading different parts of the port area.

Established in 1950, Mongla Port has gone through many struggles and setbacks, said a high official, adding "Now it's one of the busiest seaports of the country. As per the Act of Chalna Authority, its name was set as Chalna Port Authority in 1987 and later its rename was Mongla Port Authority, he said.

While speaking at the discussion, MPA Chairman Rear Admiral Shaheen Rahman said, "Mongla Port will turn into a shipping hub very soon.

Construction works of four development projects are going on in full swing, the MPA chairman said adding 69 navigation boya have been set up at the port channel for smooth plying of foreign ships.

A total of 47 ships has become docked facilities at the Port jetty, mooring, boya and anchorage. Besides, 161 refer plug points were set up for preserving frozen foods and 32 helping vessels facilities existed of its 136 modern handling equipment and tugboats.

Later, the chief guest handed over honorary crest among 32 MPA officials, employees and 29 Port users' organisations for their outstanding performances.

Besides, a farewell reception was given for the MPA officials and employees who completed PRL vacation from December 2, 2023 to December 1, 2024.
Among others, MPA captain Mohammad Kibria Haque, members Kazi Abed Hossain, Dr A K M Anisur Rahman, Kalachand Singha, addressed the event as special guests while Director Md Nuruzzaman, delivered the welcome speech.